Bye Bye Plastic Straws: NJ Phasing Out Single-Use Plastics

NEW JERSEY — New Jersey is working its way into a single-use plastic ban, starting with plastic straws.

Starting Thursday, restaurants in the Garden State stopped handing drinks with plastic straws in them, instead customers have to ask for a straw if they need one. New Jersey's plastic bans are some of the most wide-ranging in the country.

By May, the state will ban many carry-out items used in the food service industry that are non-recyclable and harmful to the environment. Cups, plates and containers made from polystyrene, otherwise known as Styrofoam will be banned starting on May 4, 2022.

The original proposal from legislators banned plastic straws completely, but advocates for people with disabilities objected to the all-out ban, as some people need a straw to drink. In a compromise, the state allowed establishments to keep plastic straws on hand for those who ask for it.

Establishments are encouraged to use alternatives like paper or bamboo straws.

Here's a timeline of what's to come in New Jersey's single-use plastic ban:

May 4, 2022

• Single-use plastic carryout bags banned (this includes grocery stores)
• Polystyrene foam food service product (also known as Styrofoam) banned
• DEP, municipalities, and any other entity certified pursuant to the “County Environmental Health Act” shall be able to enforce this law and institute penalties to violators of this Act

Once the ban on plastic bags goes into place, the penalty for a violation is a warning on the first violation, up to $1,000 per day for the second offense, and up to $5,000 per day for the third and subsequent violations. Violations that continue will constitute an additional, separate, and distinct offense for each day that is deemed a violation.

The plastic bag ban has a list of exemptions as well:

• a bag used solely to contain or wrap uncooked meat, fish, or poultry.
• a bag used solely to package loose items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee, grains, baked goods, candy, greeting cards, flowers, bulk food, or small hardware items.
• a bag used solely to contain live animals, such as fish or insects sold in a pet store.
• a bag used solely to contain food sliced or prepared to order, including soup or hot food.
• a laundry, dry cleaning, or garment bag.
• a bag provided by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs.
• a bag for newspapers.
• any similar bag, as determined by the Department pursuant to rule, regulation, or guidance.

In terms of enforcement, the Department of Environmental Protection, municipalities, and any entity certified by the "County Environmental Health Act" have the authority to enforce the single-use plastic and paper carryout bag and polystyrene foam food service product provisions of the law. The Department of Health enforces the plastic straw provision of the law.

More information on the plastic ban in New Jersey is available online.