TRENTON, N.J. — Assemblyman John Azzariti Jr. (R-Bergen) has introduced legislation to repeal New Jersey’s 2020 ban on single-use plastic and paper bags, citing studies that show the law has increased plastic waste rather than reducing it.
“New Jersey implemented the most restrictive ban on single-use plastics, Styrofoam and paper carryout bags to much left-wing fanfare, but the unintended consequences of the law are starting to negate any environmental benefits,” Azzariti said.
A study by the Freedonia Group found that plastic consumption in the state has nearly tripled since the ban, as reusable bags require 15 to 20 times more plastic than traditional single-use bags. Many of these bags are discarded after just a few uses, adding to landfill waste. Additionally, research by Environmental and Resource Economics found that plastic grocery bag bans led to an increase in plastic garbage bag purchases, with over 120 extra pounds of plastic sold per store per month.
Azzariti’s proposal follows a Feb. 10 executive order from former President Donald Trump directing federal agencies to stop purchasing paper straws, citing concerns over their environmental impact. Some studies, including one by Belgian researchers in 2023, found that paper and bamboo straws contain high levels of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which have been linked to health risks.
“My legislation isn’t only about being inconvenienced or disliking paper straws,” Azzariti said. “It’s about looking at the broader impact of heavy-handed government mandates.”
If passed, Azzariti’s bill (A5338) would overturn New Jersey’s ban on single-use plastic bags, straws, paper carryout bags, and Styrofoam containers, reigniting debate over the effectiveness of environmental regulations in the state.