The path towards enacting strict plastic regulations in New Jersey has been a long and winding road, filled with potholes. Finally, that has come to an end. The sale of single-use carrier bags, both plastic, and paper, will be banned starting next year.
New Jersey State Members have passed a proposal by St Helier Deputy, Inna Gardiner, to make it illegal for retailers to supply and distribute plastic and paper bags to consumers. There are a few exceptions to the ban, including food packaging, gift bags, and bin bags.
Deputy Gardiner said:
As an Island community, we have a collective responsibility to look after our surrounding waters and marine life. We must also grasp the opportunity to shift away from the habits of a “throwaway” culture, and instead make positive steps towards waste reduction and reuse that can continue to develop into the future.
When Gardiner was asked about why the ban includes paper bags, she pointed out that studies have shown that the higher energy cost of both producing and recycling them is unsustainable.
There will be a price for the “bags for life,” but it hasn’t been confirmed. The reason for charging people a fee is to ensure they’re encouraged to reuse the bags. There were previous suggestions about retailers donating profits raised from bag sales to environmental charities, but that was turned down.
By February 2021, draft legislation will be brought forward and will come into full force six months later.
