For Immediate Release – February 25, 2022
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — On Wednesday, February 23rd, Middletown Township and New Jersey Clean Communities hosted an informal question and answer session for small-business owners about the new plastic bag and polystyrene ban that will be enforced in New Jersey beginning May 4, 2022.
The purpose of this session was to educate local business owners about the details of the plastic bag and polystyrene ban and how it could impact their business, and provide some tips about how they can best prepare. Mayor Tony Perry hosted the event and voiced the Township’s continued support for its businesses as they play a vital role in the fabric of our community. Other presenters included Township Administrator Tony Mercantante and New Jersey Clean Communities Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden, who broke down the law and answered questions.
The new law, which will go into effect on May 4th, will ban the following:
- Single-use plastic bags, regardless of thickness, at grocery stores and retail establishments
- 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
- Polystyrene foam takeout food containers and other products such as plates, cups, food trays and utensils
The goal of the law is to reduce the amount of plastic/polystyrene pollution in New Jersey which will have long-term positive impacts on both the environment and our communities.
For more information about this law, or to watch the presentation, visit www.middletownnj.org/bagupnj.
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Photo caption: New Jersey Clean Communities Executive Director JoAnn Gemenden breaks down the new law for small-business owners.