NewJersey Bag Ban

New Jersey Bag Ban

Overview

New Jersey is banning single use grocery bags starting in May. The law was passed in 2020 with a delayed implementation due to COVID. The law prevents any grocery store over 2,500 square feet from using single-use bags (paper or plastic). There are certain products exempted from this but no exception for delivery.  

A grocery store is defined as “a self-service retail establishment that occupies at least 2,500 square feet, and that sells household foodstuffs for off-site consumption, including but not limited to fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, deli products, dairy products, canned foods, dry foods, beverages, baked foods, or prepared foods.

The law currently identifies the below as exceptions for single-use bags:

• a bag used solely to contain or wrap uncooked meat, fish, or poultry.

• a bag used solely to package loose items such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, coffee, grains, baked goods, candy, greeting cards, flowers, bulk food, or small hardware items.

• a bag used solely to contain live animals, such as fish or insects sold in a pet store.

• a bag used solely to contain food sliced or prepared to order, including soup or hot food.

• a laundry, dry cleaning, or garment bag.

• a bag provided by a pharmacy to carry prescription drugs.

• a bag for newspapers.

All customers will be required to use reusable bags (defined as (1) made of polypropylene, PET nonwoven fabric, nylon, cloth, hemp product, or other machine washable fabric; (2) has stitched handles; and (3) is designed and manufactured for multiple reuse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will this be for all grocery orders? 

A: This applies to all grocery stores over 2,500 square feet and they will no longer be able to use plastic or paper single-use bags. Our recommendation to Merchants is to provide a reusable bag or box. If there is no bag provided, you can use your own bag to deliver the order and unload the orders once you reach the customer. Please note that this is only applicable for New Jersey. 

Q: What if the merchant did not provide a reusable bag? 

A: We recommend you use shopping carts or carriers to transport items to your car or ask the merchant if there are any spare cardboard boxes available. Another option is to use your own reusable bags for transportation and then "unbag" the items once at the customer location.

Q: Should I purchase a reusable bag for the customer? 

A: The store is encouraged to provide reusable bags for delivery orders. You are not required to pay for a reusable bag but you can use your own reusable bags for transportation and then "unbag" the items once at the Cx location.

Q: What will I do if the customer is unavailable? 

A: If you used your own bag then you can just follow the delivery instructions of the customer and leave the customer’s order in the location specified and take your bag with you.