Glen Rock Plastic Bag Ban: What To Know

GLEN ROCK, NJ - Glen Rock's ban on plastic single-use plastic bags in stores and restaurants will soon go into effect.

In April, the borough council approved an ordinance, joining a growing movement across the country aimed at promoting sustainability and reducing litter.

Nearly 30 towns or counties in the Garden State, including Ridgewood and Paramus, have adopted bans over the past year. Jersey City, Hoboken, Parsippany and Teaneck have also prohibited them.

This week, a state Senate committee voted to advance a bill that would ban single-use plastic and paper bags, as well as Styrofoam takeout containers, in New Jersey. The legislation also proposes a ban on paper bags. In enacted it would supersede any existing local regulations adopted in New Jersey.

It is anticipated to go before the state Assembly's environment committee next week. If approved, it would head to the Senate and Assembly for full votes before the legislative session ends in January.

Read More: NJ's Busiest Shopping Town Just Banned Plastic Bags

Wondering when Glen Rock's bag ban takes effect? Are there any exceptions? Will you have to pay a fee on paper bags?

Here's how it will all work,according to the Glen Rock Environmental Commission.

What kind of bags will be banned?

Glen Rock's ban will apply to all single-use plastic bags provided by stores to carry out goods. All retail and food service establishments are prohibited from providing any customers with single-use plastic carryout bags.

It does not apply to reusable bags with handles that are made of cloth or another durable material

When does the ban take effect?

Jan. 1, 2020.

Are there any exceptions?

Yes. All bags used inside of stores are allowed, such as those used for baked goods, prescription drugs, loose produce, potted plants, cut flowers, garbage and yard waste.

The ban also does not apply to newspaper bags, door-hanger bags, laundry and/or dry-cleaning bags, or bags sold in packages containing multiple bags intended for use as food storage bags, garbage bags, yard waste bags, or pet waste bags.

Will stores provide reusable bags or recyclable paper bags?

The town says all retail and food service establishments can make them available to customers for a fee of at least 10 cents. There is no charge for small paper bags (less than 8" x 16"). If a customer requests a carry-out bag (paper or reusable), the entire fee is retained by the business, according to the town.

Residents can also get a free reusable bag at Glen Rock Borough Hall's main office (while supplies last).

What about bags for cleaning up after your dog?

The town ordinance only affects bags provided at check-out. Stores may continue to sell packages of bags such as garbage bags, food storage bags, yard waste bags or pet waste bags without adding any additional fee beyond their usual sale price.

What about restaurant delivery bags?

The measure applies to bags used for take-out and/or deliveries. This means that take-out and/or delivery bags may not be single-use plastic bags and that there would be a fee for any paper or reusable bags provided by the restaurant or other retail store, according to the town.

Can I bring my own single-use plastic bags to the store?

If you have a drawer full of them at home, feel free. The ordinance only prohibits businesses from providing single-use plastic bags. According to the town, if you bring your own reusable bags, then you do not have to pay the fee and shouldn't be an issue at the store.

Is there a penalty for stores and food establishments that don't comply?

Businesses in violation of the ordinance will receive a written warning from the borough. Subsequent violations carry financial fines of $50, $100, and $200.

Why did the town adopt a ban?

To reduce litter, protect the environment and remove hard-to-recycle bags from the waste system. Glen Rock's Green Team spent months researching and lobbying for the change.

Environmental advocates say plastic bags are one the biggest sources of litter and can harm wildlife, as well as water quality. However, opponents to such measures believe the regulation could drive up costs for local businesses, which would eventually trickle down to consumers.

A 2018 survey conducted by the Glen Rock Green Team of local businesses showed support for the measure. Click here to see the results.

For more information, residents and businesses are encouraged to contact the Glen Rock Environmental Commission at GREC@glenrocknj.net