New Jersey Food Council Applauds State Legislature on Passage of
A-1978/S-864 to Phase Out Single-Use Bags

TRENTON – September 24, 2020 –The New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) has
continually advocated for a uniform statewide standard, phasing out
single use plastic and paper bags and encouraging the use of reusable
bags in New Jersey. We are thankful to state lawmakers in both Houses
of the Legislature for today’s bill passage, following years of work
and deliberation.

This law will put an end to the proliferation of varying local
ordinances. The current unworkable patchwork underscores the
importance of having this smart, uniform statewide law that preempts
all local ordinances.

The ban on paper bags is critically important; they have just as
significant of an environmental impact as plastic bags. Without this
ban, consumers would have simply moved to paper single-use bags,
failing to address the underlying goal of reducing our reliance on
single-use products.

The New Jersey Food Council extends its appreciation to the state
Legislature for creating this uniform standard for the entire state.
We ask Governor Phil Murphy to sign this legislation when it is
received on his desk.