As of May 4, 2022, all retail stores, grocery stores and food service businesses in New Jersey are prohibited from providing or selling customers single-use plastic carryout bags. Additionally, grocery stores larger than 2500 square feet cannot provide or sell single-use paper carryout bags. All establishments can sell or provide reusable bags.
The law defines “store” as any grocery store, convenience store, liquor store, pharmacy, drug store, or other retail establishment. Dealerships are considered retail establishments under the law and must comply with its provisions.
Certain definitions in the law are critical to understand. A “single-use plastic carryout bag” is defined as a carryout bag made of plastic that is not a reusable carryout bag. A “single-use paper carryout bag” is defined as a carryout bag made of paper that is not a reusable carryout bag. Finally, a “reusable carryout bag” is defined as a carryout bag that: (1) is made of polypropylene, PET nonwoven fabric, nylon, cloth, hemp product, or other machine washable fabric: (2) has stitched handles; and (3) is designed and manufactured for multiple reuses.
For dealers, this means that no single-use plastic carryout bags may be provided or sold to customers, however, a dealership may provide or sell single-use paper carryout bags and reusable bags to customers. Penalties for violating the ban include a warning for a first offense, up to $1,000 for a second offense, and up to $5,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
NJ CAR Services, Inc. offers dealers custom, reinforced, high-quality grocery tote bags (SKU: B128) for as low as $1.85 each. These bags can be given to customers, employees, or even distributed at local markets as an excellent low-cost advertising option.
For more information on New Jersey’s plastic bag ban and access to the law please follow this link: https://www.nj.gov/dep/get-past-plastic/.
For more information on the reusable bags and other products that NJ CAR Services offers please visit https://njcarservices.com/product/imprinted-tote-bags/ or click on the image below.