Bag Up Ewing Township

On Nov 4,2020 Governor Phi Murphy & the NJ State Legislature enacted the most progressive bag ban law in the country.

The law prevents litter and encourages the use of reusable bags by phasing out single-use plastic and paper bags.  This puts NJ at the forefront of the effort to find a solution for our “plastic problem.”

The law bans plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery stores & retail outlets, as well as paper bags at grocery stores measuring more than 2,500 ft2. It also bans clamshell food containers & other products such as plates, cups, food trays & utensils; & makes plastic straws at restaurants available only upon request.

While we often hear about the environmental impact of disposable plastic bags, it is important to remember that disposable paper bags have a significant impact on the environment too. Papermaking requires large inputs of water, energy, chemicals, and wood, and produces various wastes and emissions that must be controlled or treated. Additionally, paper bags require ten times the number of trucks to deliver the same quantity of bags, resulting in increased truck traffic and diesel emissions.

Important Dates to Remember

• November 4, 2021
  SINGLE USE STRAWS BY REQUEST ONLY
  Plastic straws can only be provided upon request of a customer.
• May 4, 2022
  POLYSTYRENE FOAM FOOD SERVICE BAN
  The selling/offering for sale of any polystyrene foam food service product is prohibited. All food service businesses are also prohibited from selling/providing any food served in a polystyrene foam food service product.
• May 4, 2022
  SINGLE-USE CARRYOUT BAG BAN

All Stores (including retail), Food Service Businesses, and Grocery Stores may not sell to, or provide their customers with, single-use plastic carryout bags.

What You Can Do to Support Bag Up NJ

As a consumer, there are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.

• When shopping, bring your reusable shopping bags to help fight waste in your town.
• Recycle your disposable bags by bringing them to your local retailer.
• When it comes to reusable bags, you have options. There are many different sizes, types, materials, and designs. Choose the ones that work best for you as a consumer.
  

We encourage you to make one change and treat every day like Earth Day!