NJ Bill Would Fine Online Retailers Who Use Too Much Packaging

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — For New Jersey Assemblyman John McKeon, the “aha moment” behind his latest legislative effort came when he ordered a magnet online.

“Earlier this year, I ordered a ‘Baby on Board’ magnet for my granddaughter, and although the magnet itself could have easily fit in an envelope, it arrived in a box at least 20 times its size full of packing materials,” recalled McKeon, who represents the state’s 27th District.

And that’s something that has to change, he says.

Last week, McKeon introduced A2235, a bill that would prohibit large online retailers and major retailers in New Jersey from using shipping boxes that are more than two times the volume of the items being shipped. Under the bill, retailers who do not comply would be subject to fines ranging from $250 to $500 for each offense.

It would apply to “large online retailers” that have annual gross sales equal to or greater than one million dollars in or into the state, and “major retailers” that occupy at least 75,000 square feet and have 50 or more employees. The proposed law would take effect immediately after its signing.

The legislation has been referred to the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee for consideration.

According to McKeon, many retailers use large boxes filled with air pillows or other packing materials to ship their items, but this is not a sustainable practice because it generates a significant amount of waste. In 2020, the e-commerce industry produced approximately 2.9 billion pounds of plastic waste.

“We have to address the fact that online shopping is the source of a significant amount of packaging waste,” McKeon said. “Instead of using an oversized box and filling it with packing materials that will end up in a landfill or find their way into our oceans, this bill asks retailers to minimize waste by using shipping boxes that are appropriately sized.”

“While recycling is part of the solution, the best way to reduce our carbon footprint is to reduce the amount of cardboard and waste we produce,” the assemblyman added.

The 27th District includes Caldwell, Chatham Township, East Hanover, Essex Fells, Florham Park, Hanover, Harding, Livingston, Madison, Maplewood, Millburn, Roseland, South Orange and West Orange.

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