This bill amends existing legislation to allow grocery stores in New Jersey to provide single-use paper carryout bags to customers, provided that these bags contain a significant quantity of postconsumer recycled content. Specifically, the bill stipulates that the paper bags must meet or exceed the postconsumer recycled content requirements established in a previous law, which mandates that paper carryout bags contain, on average, at least 40 percent postconsumer recycled content, or at least 20 percent for bags that hold eight pounds or less.

Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions related to carryout bags and introduces the term "sustainable paper carryout bag," which refers to single-use paper bags that meet the specified recycled content requirements. The legislation aims to balance the need for carryout bags while promoting environmental sustainability and reducing plastic pollution. 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