Effective May 4, the ban on the provision or sale of single-use plastic and paper carryout bags goes into effect.  On Nov. 4, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy signed into law P.L. 2020, c.117, which prohibits the provision or sale of single-use plastic carryout bags. Businesses that decide to sell or provide reusable carryout bags must ensure that the bags meet the requirements as defined in the law.

To be considered a “reusable carryout bag,” the product must be:

• Made of polypropylene fabric, PET non-woven fabric, nylon, cloth, hemp product, or other washable fabric; and
• have stitched handles; and
• be designed and manufactured for at least 125 reuses.

All businesses that do not comply with the law are subject to an initial warning potentially followed by daily fines.

Visit the State website to view a chart of impacted businesses, resources for business, and answers to frequently asked questions. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.