File photo: (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

In about a month, New Jersey will ban single-use plastic and single-use paper bags, which is said to be the strongest such ban in the nation. Environmentalists pushed for such a legal ban for years, citing damage caused by plastic pollutants. The ban aims to reduce plastic pollutants in the ocean, waterways and on land.

The statewide ban on single-use plastic, paper bags and disposable polystyrene (Styrofoam) food containers is set to begin May 4. The bill became law in November 2020 and gave New Jersey businesses 18 months to prepare.

Since Nov. 4, businesses are not allowed to give customers single-use plastic straws unless customers request them.

The ban on both plastic and paper bags mainly applies to large grocery stores. There are many exceptions — one being that convenience and retail stores are still able to give out paper bags, just not plastic.

File photo: (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

Here’s what you need to know:

In about two years, another ban will take effect — this time on polystyrene containers used for raw or butchered meat and fish. Other products like polystyrene foam soda spoons, will also be banned.