Chatham Plastic Bag Ban To Take Effect March 1

CHATHAM, NJ — Starting Sunday, March 1, shoppers in Chatham Borough and Chatham Township will no longer have access to plastic grocery bags.

The ban doesn't affect the smaller plastic bags typically used for loose produce or for wrapping fish, deli meat or other wet items.

The goal of the ban is to cut down on waste by encouraging shoppers to purchase reusable grocery bags. If you don't have reusable bags, worry not. Shoppers can bring any bag or container to hold their items.

Those in need of reusable bags, or those with an excess of bags, are encouraged to take advantage of "Leave a bag, take a bag" bins located at the Chatham Borough and Chatham Township Municipal Buildings, the Senior Center of the Chathams and Purple Aardvark.

Lastly, don't worry if you forget your bags at home — paper bags are available upon request at retailers for 10 cents each in Chatham Borough. In the township, the price for a paper bag may vary by retailer.