Bill Banning Baby Wipes Proposed In NJ Senate

NEW JERSEY — Selling non-flushable cleansing wipes in New Jersey could come with a $20,000 fine under a Democratic senator's proposal.

Joseph P. Cryan, who represents Union County, introduced the bill Feb. 27 and it was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee.

The bill (S3649) is designed to prevent people from sending non-flushable baby wipes or body-cleaning wipes down the toilet and harming sewage systems, the proposed legislation shows.

The bill would make it an unlawful practice under the Consumer Fraud Act "for a person to sell, offer for sale, or distribute for sale a non-flushable disposable wipe product."

Businesses who violate the proposed bill would face a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense, and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense.

Cryan told the New Jersey Monitor that these wipes are the sewer industry's "worst nightmare." He added that the bill targets large companies who cut costs by not using biodegradable material in their products.

"Consumers may wrongly assume these products may be safely disposed of in the toilet," the legislation states. "Non-flushable disposable wipes are typically made of synthetic materials that do not break down or disintegrate when submerged in water, even over a long period of time. This results in significant harm to sewage and septic systems, causing pipes, pumps, and water treatment systems to get clogged and require costly repairs. "

Some widely-available brands like Cottonelle and Charmin sell flushable wipes, as do smaller companies and store brands such as Equate and Up & Up. But Republican strategist Alexandra Wilkes, who is expecting her third child, told the NJ Monitorthat flushable or biodegradable wipes may be pricier or harder to find.

“If you’re a family on a tight budget or living on a fixed income, those options might not be possible," she said.