Starting May 4, a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags goes into effect. So what do you need to know?
* Non-grocery and retail stores can still provide paper bags.
* Large grocery stores — anything over 2,500 square feet — cannot give out paper bags.
* There are a few exceptions to the plastic bag ban, which includes bags to contain or wrap uncooked meat, fish, or poultry, bags used to package loose items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, etc., a bag used solely to contain food sliced or prepared to order, a laundry, dry cleaning, or garment bag, a pharmacy bag to carry prescription drugs, and a bag for newspapers.
So how can you prepare? Get used to keeping a reusable bag in the car so you can carry it when you shop downtown or keep a reusable bag in your purse so you can easily access it. Please remember that this is a mandate throughout all of NJ and we know our merchants appreciate your patience and understanding as we all adapt to this change. For more information, please visit Bag Up New Jersey, https://www.bagupnj.com/.