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Ban on Plastic Bags and Polystyrene Foam Food Service Products

The law banning plastic bags and polystyrene foam food service products went into effect on May 4, 2022. Read the requirements and find vendors that offer reusable and sustainable alternatives.

Plastic Ban Resources

About the LawFind Vendors and AlternativesReporting Violations

Contents

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How does this law impact my business?

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 2,500 square feet, which may only provide or sell reusable carryout bags. Plastic straws may be provided only upon the request of the customer. Find out if you are impacted by this ban.

Watch the video in Spanish by clicking here.

Affected businesses must use reusable carryout bags that:

  1. Are made of polypropylene fabric, PET non-woven fabric, nylon, cloth, hemp product, or other washable fabric, and
  2. Have stitched handles (either thread or ultrasonic, T-Shirt bags are permitted), and
  3. Are designed and manufactured for at least 125 reuses.

Affected businesses must also use food service items that are not made of polystyrene, more commonly known as styrofoam.

The state has provided a database of vendors who can provide alternative products.

Learn more about the ban through the State FAQs or read the law.

View and download the Business Resource Guide for more information (English / Spanish)

Alternatives to Polystyrene (Styrofoam)

Additional Resources

Environmental Impact

Penalties

Organizing Agencies

Find Vendors Offering Suitable Alternatives

As a courtesy, the State has compiled a list of vendors who provide environmentally sound alternatives to single-use plastic carryout bags, single-use paper carryout bags, polystyrene foam food service products, and single-use plastic straws.

View List of Vendors

Reporting Violations

To report a violation, contact your county environmental health act agent. Reports can be made to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection by phone at 1-877-WARN-DEP.

Wholesale Manufacturer and Distributor Sign-up

If you are a business that manufactures or distributes sustainable products that meet the NJ State standards, sign up to have your company added to the list wholesale vendors.

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