Credit: Ingrid Taylar via Creative Commons CC BY-NC 2.0Gov. Phil Murphy is said to be poised to sign a bill Wednesday that many call the nation’s toughest ban on single-use plastic and paper bags, a step advocates call the most important way to end plastic pollution in the environment.
The Legislature approved the bill (S-864) after a long battle, including a veto of a previous measure two years ago by the governor who considered it too weak. It had been a top priority of environmental groups for the past few years.
The legislation had faced opposition from various business groups, but the move by more than 50 local communities to enact their own plastic bag bans, often differing in scope and intent, led some organizations to back a single, statewide standard instead. Eight other states have enacted statewide bans on single-use plastic bags, but none have included single-use paper bag prohibitions.
Polystyrene-foam products also banned
Beyond the bans on single-use bags, which are largely confined to larger grocery stores, the law also prohibits polystyrene foam food-service products, typically used for carry-out food items, as well as limits on single-use plastic straws.
The bill includes many exemptions, among them for uncooked meat, poultry and fish wrapped in bags, prescription drugs from pharmacies and dry-cleaner plastic bags.
It establishes various times for the legislation to take effect, but generally the ban will not be effective for at least 18 months. The bill also allows for certain polystyrene manufacturers to obtain a waiver under certain conditions.
Plastic pollution
Plastic bags emerged as one of the leading causes of pollution in the ocean and other environments in recent years, according to numerous global studies, as well as a local one addressing the Raritan River. The bags break down and cause harm to wildlife and marine fisheries.
“Plastic pollution is a crisis that we can’t fix with recycling,’’ said Jennifer Coffey, executive director of the Association of New Jersey Environmental Commissions. “This law will create a cleaner and greener New Jersey and will inspire other states to take much-needed action to reduce single-use plastic use and waste.’’
Jeff Tittel, director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said bans have proven effective in reducing plastic pollution, noting Los Angeles County saw a 94% reduction in single-use bags after restricting their use. “It is important that we will now have a statewide ban on plastics getting into our environment,’’ he said.
Not everyone backs ban
Others were disappointed to hear the governor is signing the bill.
Dennis Hart, executive director of the Chemistry Industry Council, was unhappy about the prohibition on polystyrene-foam food containers, which he argued will lead to cheaper alternatives that are more harmful to the environment. Hart said he hopes those issues will lead lawmakers to consider changes to the law.
The legislation had been opposed by Republicans who argued it would impose new costs on many businesses, most of which have been hurt by the coronavirus pandemic.
