Do you only rely on plastic bags when you check out in supermarkets or convenience stores?

This needs to change in about six months, so it is recommended that you start adjusting your habits now to make it easier to comply with the New Jersey law that was signed during the coronavirus pandemic and took effect on May 4, 2022.

JoAnn Gemenden, executive director of the New Jersey Clean Community Council, said: "We encourage people to add'carry reusable bags' to their shopping list to help them remember."

As part of legislation designed to prevent plastic from entering landfills and waterways, NJCCC is responsible for implementing statewide campaigns and outreach programs. Gemenden also advises residents of New Jersey to put a reusable bag in their car so that they will not be caught off guard when they have to buy after the law goes into effect.

"The advantage is that a reusable bag can hold more items than a small disposable plastic bag," Gemenden said. "They are strong and won't break."

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection provides a detailed legal overview on its website and answers any questions that consumers or businesses may ask. Check below for the key points you should keep in mind before May 4.

Starting May 4, stores and restaurants in New Jersey, as well as other places such as food trucks and movie theaters, will be prohibited from providing customers with disposable plastic tote bags. They cannot be purchased either.

According to the law, bags are considered reusable only under the following circumstances:

At the same time, grocery stores of at least 2,500 square feet will ban the use of disposable paper tote bags.

When the law came into effect, bags were not the only restricted items. On May 4, food service companies—restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores, etc.—may not offer products packaged in polystyrene foam containers (aka Sytrofoam) or sell containers.

The law includes a list of exempted uses of plastic bags:

As for polystyrene foam, the following products will be exempted at least until May 4, 2024:

Companies concerned about complying with the Styrofoam rules have the opportunity to apply for exemptions not exceeding one year. Food service providers need to prove that there are no other viable options.

Contact reporter Dino Flammia at dino.flammia@townsquaremedia.com.