Attention New Jersey Store Owners & Managers,

Effective May 4th, 2022, New Jersey grocery stores and food service businesses may not provide or sell single-use plastic carryout bags. Single-use paper carryout bags are allowed to be provided or sold, except by grocery stores equal to or larger than 2,500 square feet, which may only provide or sell reusable carryout bags.
REUSABLE BAGS AVAILABLE THROUGH C&S

The following reusable store bags are currently available for ordering through C&S, items can be found in the grocery order book.
Affected businesses must use reusable carryout bags that:
  1. Are made of polypropylene fabric, PET non-woven fabric, nylon, cloth, hemp product, or other washable fabric, and
  2. Have stitched handles (either thread or ultrasonic, T-Shirt bags are permitted), and
  3. Are designed and manufactured for at least 125 reuses.

What are the exceptions to the plastic bag ban?
There are a number of exceptions. According to the DEP, those exceptions are:
  • 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 DEP pursuant to rule, regulation, or guidance.
For additional information, click on the links provided below.