The Ban On Single-Use Bags Is Coming: Bag Up Freehold

FREEHOLD, NJ — It's time to stock up on reusable shopping bags.

The Township of Freehold would like to remind all residents that New Jersey will implement a statewide ban on paper and plastic bags beginning next month.

According to state law, all supermarkets, food establishments, and retail outlets larger than 2500 square feet will be prohibited from providing single-use bags.

The law also prohibits food service providers from selling polystyrene foam food products.

Gov. Phil Murphy signed the measure in November 2020, giving retailers and customers a year and a half to prepare.

“When you’re trying to recycle other types of plastics, and you have contamination with these plastic bags, that essentially ruins your entire batch of recyclable plastics,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, director of the Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter, on WHYY's “Radio Times”.

“Additionally, it sort of ruins the machinery for recycling. So they’re incredibly polluting for the environment. But they’re also damaging for our recycling infrastructure,” Ramos-Busot said.

“Make sure you are ready now and BAG UP NJ,” said Freehold Township.