State's Single Use Plastic Bag Ban to Begin May 4, 2022

Oakland, N.J. - April 29, 2022 - Starting May 4, 2022, New Jersey retail stores, grocery stores and food service businesses may not provide or sell single-use plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products. 

Single-use paper carryout bags are allowed to be provided or sold, except by grocery stores equal to or larger than 2500 square feet, which may only provide or sell reusable carryout bags. 

After November 4, 2021, plastic straws may be provided only upon the request of the customer.

“Plastics pollution has become one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems,” said NJ DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette said. 

“Americans alone use some 100 billion plastic bags each year. While some of these bags are recycled, many end up in landfills and many more wind up as litter that is harmful to our communities, ecosystems, and wildlife. Sadly, these plastic bags get into our marine environments, killing fish, dolphins, whales, and other types of marine life.

For more information, visit the state DEP's Get Past Plastic page and NJ Clean Communities BagUpNJ campaign.

For more information in regards to business compliance, please contact Bag Up NJ partner New Jersey Business Action Center.