Millburn Moves Towards Plastic-Ban Ordinance

MILLBURN, NJ - Millburn took a step Tuesday towards restricting single-use plastics in town by authorizing Township Attorney Christopher Falcon to draft an ordinance to be voted on by the end of the year.

The Township Committee approved Mayor Dianne Thall Eglow's motion with a 5-0 vote to have the resolution presented by the Environmental Commission, the Green Team and the School Green in August be drafted into an ordinance.

The ordinance would focus on three specific items: plastic bags, plastic straws and styrofoam takeout containers. Other items, such as dry cleaning bags, would be exempted, because an alternative does not yet widely exist.

"I support this ordinance and feel that the 3 elements within, single use plastic bags, plastic straws and polystyrene are over used, are a detriment to our environment and there are suitable alternatives," Eglow told Patch.

Eglow noted there was a large turnout of residents who were there to lobby for the cause.

"I am incredibly proud of all the students and residents who came out in support," Eglow said. "We are hopeful that Trenton will follow Millburn Township and the over 60 NJ Municipalities that have all passed similar bans on plastics. "

There is no timetable on when, if passed, the ordinance would take effect.

Thanks for reading! Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Have a news tip you'd like to share? Or maybe you have a press release you would like to submit or a correction you'd like to request? Send an email to russ.crespolini@patch.com

Subscribe to your local Patch newsletter. You can also have them delivered to your phone screen by downloading, or by visiting the Google Play store.