On March 21, 2002, the Mayor and Town Council passed Resolution 22-95 endorsing the comprehensive "Bag Up NJ" campaign.
This ban on plastic bags is EFFECTIVE MAY 4, 2022 STATEWIDE
See links and info graphics below for FAQs and more details.
https://bagupnj.com/
https://www.nj.gov/dep/get-past-plastic/
Full Legislation P.L. 2020 c.117 HERE

| New Norms | What is Not Permitted | Exceptions |
Grocery Store (2,500 sq ft or larger)
| - Customers bring reusable bags to the store
- Store sells reusable bags
| - Store cannot provide single-use plastic or paper bags*
This includes:- At checkout
- Curbside pickup
- Home delivery
| - Bags for loose items are exempt e.g., produce, greeting cards, flowers etc.
- Polystyrene foam for raw and deli sliced meats, including poultry and fish trays are exempt**
- Polystyrene foam for grocery items pre-packed by a manufacturer are exempt** e.g., instant ramen noodles
|
Restaurant (includes fast food and food delivery)
| - Restaurants may provide single-use paper bags
- Food served or delivered in plastic, paper, or aluminum containers
- Customers bring a reusable bag
- Restaurants only provide plastic straws when requested
| - Restaurant cannot provide single-use plastic bags*
- Restaurant cannot serve or deliver food in polystyrene
| - Paper straws are exempt and can be given without a request
- Polystyrene portion cups of two ounces or less, if used for hot foods or foods requiring lids are exempt**
- Polystyrene disposable, long-handled soda spoons when required and used for thick drinks are exempt**
|
Convenience Store
| - Convenience Stores may provide single-use paper bags
| - Store cannot provide single-use plastic bags*
| - Exceptions listed above for grocery store and restaurant apply
|
Pharmacy
| - Pharmacy may provide single-use paper bags
- Customers bring a reusable bag
| - Pharmacy cannot provide single-use plastic bags*
| - Plastic bags for prescriptions are exempt
|
Retail Store
| - Retail Stores may provide single-use paper bags
| - Store cannot provide single-use plastic bags*
| |
In homes
| - NJ residents can re-use single use plastic bags at home or in-store
- NJ residents can buy and use paper lunch bag
| - NJ residents can no longer purchase polystyrene plates, cups or utensils.
| - Plastic utensils or plastic or paper plates or cups are exempt
|

