Plastic Bag Rules: East Orange vs Newark
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between East Orange, NJ and Newark, NJ?
East Orange has fewer restrictions than Newark.
East Orange, NJ
Essex County
Under NJSA 13:1E-99.126, New Jersey banned single-use plastic carryout bags and single-use paper bags at large grocery stores effective May 2022, the strongest such law nationally.
View full East Orange rules →Newark, NJ
Essex County
New Jersey's Plastic Bag Ban (NJ P.L. 2020 c. 117), effective May 4, 2022, prohibits single-use plastic carryout bags AND single-use paper bags at large grocery stores. Newark retailers must offer reusable bags only at checkout — no plastic, no paper at supermarkets.
View full Newark rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | East Orange | Newark |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Effective date | - | May 4, 2022 |
| Statute | - | NJ §13:1E-99.126 |
| Paper bags banned | - | At supermarkets only |
| Polystyrene | - | Also banned |
| Strongest US ban | - | Yes |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
East Orange FAQ
Newark FAQ
Can my deli still give me a plastic bag for my sandwich?
No. Single-use plastic carryout bags are banned at all food service businesses, including delis, restaurants, and bodegas — not just supermarkets.
Are paper bags banned at all stores?
Paper bag ban applies only to grocery stores over 2,500 square feet. Smaller stores can still offer paper. All stores can offer reusable bags.
Compare other topics
See how East Orange and Newark compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool