TRENTON, NJ – A new bill introduced in New Jersey seeks to repeal existing regulations on single-use products, specifically targeting the prohibition against certain plastic and polystyrene items. The legislation aims to revoke sections 1 through 9 of P.L.2020, c.117, effectively removing restrictions on the distribution and sale of plastic carryout bags, paper carryout bags, polystyrene foam service products, and plastic straws by various establishments.
The original law, which imposed penalties for non-compliance and established a Plastics Advisory Council to oversee environmental impacts, was designed to reduce pollution and encourage the use of sustainable alternatives. Additionally, it mandated the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to formulate guidelines for businesses to adapt to the new regulations.
If the repeal is successful, stores, food service businesses, food banks, and pantries will again be allowed to offer single-use plastic bags to their customers. Furthermore, the sale and provision of polystyrene foam products and the unrestricted distribution of plastic straws in food service establishments would be reinstated.
The proposed bill underscores a significant shift in the state’s approach to managing single-use products, potentially impacting New Jersey’s environmental policy landscape.
The bill was introduced by New Jersey GOP Assemblyman Robert Auth.