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 quantity of postconsumer recycled content. Specifically, the paper bags must meet or exceed the postconsumer recycled content requirements established in previous legislation, which mandates that standard paper carryout bags contain an average of at least 40 percent postconsumer recycled content, while those designed to hold eight pounds or less must contain at least 20 percent.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the environmental concerns associated with single-use plastics and paper bags, highlighting the need to minimize plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices. It prohibits grocery stores from providing single-use paper carryout bags that do not meet the specified recycled content criteria, thereby encouraging the use of more environmentally friendly options. The legislation aims to align with broader efforts to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment while still allowing for the use of paper bags under certain conditions.

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