NJ Plastics Council Wraps-up Report

 A New Jersey law established the Plastics Advisory Council (PAC), which has met since April 2022 and completed its First Year Report this past May. The PAC works to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the statewide single-use plastics law that prohibits the use of plastic carryout bags in all stores and food service businesses statewide, bans single-use paper carryout bags in larger grocery stores, prohibits the dispensing of polystyrene foam food service products, and only allows single-use plastic straws upon customer request.

“The PAC’s First Year Report highlights the successful implementation of the law and sets forth a robust and comprehensive agenda for the coming year which is a testament to the Council members’ outstanding due diligence and commitment to the mission,” said Clean Ocean Action’s Executive Director Cindy Zipf, Chair of the Plastic Advisory Council (PAC). 

The first-year report is presented in four sections, including a section that identifies 20 “Opportunities for Action” recommending steps to reduce plastic waste. In year two, the PAC is studying the environmental and public health impacts of single-use plastics, as well as additional policy and legislative steps to further reduce waste and increase plastics recycling. To read the report, go to https://dep.nj.gov/get-past-plastic.