New Jersey State Bill to Ban Paper Bags Heads to the Governor

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The New Jersey lawmakers approved a bill September 24^th that proposes to limit use of single-use plastic bags, paper bags, plastic straws and polystyrene food containers. The Senate Assembly Bill 1978, sponsored by Nancy Pinkin, James Kennedy and John McKeon has headed to Gov. Phil Murphy. The signing of the bill would make New Jersey the first state in the entire country to ban single-use paper bags at supermarkets.

The Governor’s spokesman said that the bill is being supported by the Governor. It would be the strongest ban in the nation and that it will contribute significantly to reduce the harmful impacts caused by these products to the environment, he added.

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The environmentalists praised the legislation as a key step in helping the state reduce pollution from paper, plastic and polystyrene products. The Assembly has voted the bill, prioritizing its wildlife and its communities over the endless plastic and other waste that pollute its waterways, said Doug O’Malley, Director, Environment New Jersey.

On the other hand, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) expressed its opposition to the paper-bag ban portion of the bill. Abigail Sztein, director of governmental affairs at AF&PA said that paper bags are a clean, hygienic and convenient choice as a safe packaging option to protect their purchases from damage and contamination.