New Jersey Single-Use Plastic Bag and Paper Bag Ban

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.