Bag Up NJ

The Bag Ban goes into effect on May 4, 2022!

The "Bag Up NJ" campaign, is the New Jersey Clean Communities Council’s new single-use plastic and paper bag ban outreach campaign, which has a simple message: Bring your own reusable bag(s) when you shop.

This campaign educates and reminds consumers about their options for sustainability at the checkout counter. Consumers can bring their own reusable bags when they shop and recycle their plastic bags.

On Nov. 4, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature enacted the most progressive bag ban law in the country. The law prevents litter and encourages the use of reusable bags by phasing out single-use plastic and paper bags.

The law bans plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery stores and retail outlets, as well as paper bags at grocery stores measuring more than 2,500 square feet. It also bans polystyrene foam foodservice products; and makes plastic straws at restaurants available only upon request.

Bag Up NJ Logo

What you can do to support Bag Up NJ?

  • As a consumer, there are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint.
  • When shopping, bring your reusable shopping bags to help fight waste in your town.
  • Recycle your disposable bags by bringing them to your local retailer.
  • When it comes to reusable bags, you have options. There are many different sizes, types, materials and designs, choose the ones that work best for you as a consumer.

Not sure how this law will impact your local businesses?

  • Click here for more campaign details, regulations, and resources.
  • Click here for a State of NJ plastic ban campaign presentation