Effective May 4, 2022, New Jersey implemented Phase 2 of its Plastic Ban Act, whereby retailers and food service businesses will no longer be allowed to use or distribute single-use plastic bags.
The law gave shops and the public 18 months to prepare before it took effect. The bill was passed on November 4, 2020, and has multiple phases of enforcement targeting plastic pollution from retail and food services in New Jersey, with phase one starting on November 4, 2021 Partial ban on plastic straws.
The second wave of regulations also banned single-use Styrofoam cups and food containers. Additionally, while small convenience stores and grocery stores allow paper bags, stores larger than 2,500 square feet will require customers to provide their own reusable bags or buy them on-site.
Businesses found to be violating the ban will be warned on the first offense, $1,000 per day for the second violation, and $5,000 per day for the third violation.
