Bag Up NJ: Single Use Plastic Bag Ban

Bag Up NJ logo

On Nov. 4, 2020, Governor Phil Murphy and the New Jersey Legislature enacted the most progressive bag ban law in the country. The law reduces litter and encourages the use of reusable bags by phasing out single-use carryout bags. 

The law bans single-use plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery stores and retail establishments, as well as paper bags at grocery stores equal to or larger than 2,500 square feet. It also bans polystyrene foam takeout food containers and other products such as plates, cups, food trays and utensils.  As of November 4, 2021, plastic straws are only available upon request.

The "Bag Up NJ" campaign is the New Jersey Clean Communities Council’s new single use plastic and paper bag ban outreach campaign, which has a simple message: Bring your own reusable bag(s) when you shop.

For more information on the NJ Bag Ban Law, click HERE


For information on Business Compliance, please contact the 

New Jersey Business Action Center


For a list of FAQs, click HERE.

On Wednesday, February 23, Middletown Township and New Jersey Clean Communities hosted an informal question and answer session regarding the new plastic bag and polystyrene ban. The purpose of this session was to provide them with accurate information on the details of this ban so they can best prepare for success. Click the link above to watch the recording. 

Imortant Dates
Skip the Straw
What you can do