This bill amends existing legislation to allow grocery stores in New Jersey to provide single-use paper carryout bags to customers, but only if these bags contain a significant amount of postconsumer recycled content. Specifically, the paper bags must meet or exceed the postconsumer recycled content requirements established in a previous law, which mandates that such bags contain, on average, at least 40 percent postconsumer recycled content, or at least 20 percent for bags that hold eight pounds or less. This change aims to address environmental concerns associated with single-use plastics and paper bags, which have been linked to pollution and health issues.

Additionally, the bill reinforces the prohibition on single-use plastic carryout bags, which will remain in effect, and it preempts any local regulations regarding single-use bags that may have been enacted prior to this bill's effective date. The legislation emphasizes the importance of reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices, while also recognizing the potential of New Jersey's hemp industry to contribute to biodegradable packaging solutions. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-99.126, 13:1E-99.127, 13:1E-99.128