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.
The Get Past Plastic Act, codified at NJSA 13:1E-99.126 et seq., prohibits stores and food service businesses from providing single-use plastic carryout bags. Grocery stores larger than 2,500 square feet additionally cannot provide single-use paper carryout bags. The law took effect May 4, 2022, after a phased implementation. Reusable bags meeting durability and material standards remain available for sale. The Department of Environmental Protection administers enforcement, and local code enforcement officials investigate violations. The Act preempts inconsistent municipal ordinances but allows stricter local rules adopted before its effective date to remain.
First offense receives a written warning; second offense up to $1,000; third and subsequent violations up to $5,000 per day per location, assessed by DEP.
See how Sparta's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
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