Claims that it is the strongest ban in the nation
Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill passed by the legislature earlier this year, that prohibits stores and food service businesses from using single use plastic and paper bags as well as disposable food containers and cups of polystyrene foam. The bill does not go into effect until May 2022.
But next year, in November 2021, food service establishments will only be able to provide plastic straws upon request.
The Governor says the goal is to encourage reusable bags and reduce plastic pollution and garbage in the waterways, the ocean, and in landfills.
For two years, the following items are exempt from the law, but in May 2024, they too will be banned:
–Disposable, long-handled polystyrene foam soda spoons.
–Portion cups holding two ounces or less if used for hot foods or foods requiring lids
–Meat and fish trays for raw or butchered meat, including poultry, or fish sold from a refrigerator or similar retail appliance.
–Any food product pre-packaged by the manufacturer with a polystyrene foam food service product.
–Any other polystyrene foam food service product as determined as necessary by the NJ Dept. of Environmental Protection
