Are you ready for NJ's plastic bag ban?

MARGATE - Bag Up New Jersey! Beginning May 4, NJ's single-use plastic bag ban will go into effect. The law prohibits all stores (including retail), food service businesses and grocery stores from selling or providing their customers with single-use plastic carryout bags. In addition, grocery stores larger than 2,500 square feet may not provide or sell single-use paper carryout bags, and instead may provide or sell only reusable carryout bags.

It's all part of a new state law aimed at cutting down on waste, litter and pollution. Plastic bags get most of the blame, but single-use paper bags are also notorious for wasting precious resources and adding planet-warming emissions to the Earth's atmosphere.

The "Bag Up NJ" campaign, is the New Jersey Clean Communities Council's new single-use plastic and paper bag ban outreach campaign, which has a simple message: Bring your own reusable bag(s) when you shop.

Here are a few tips to help you remember your reusable bags on your next trip to the store.

1. Keeping extra bags in the car.


2. Hanging extra bags by the door or alongside coats and jackets.


3. Getting some lightweight packable bags that pack into a small pouch, to keep in your purse or pockets.


4. Putting a sign on your door as a reminder.


5. Writing BAGS! at the top of your shopping lists.

That sounds simple enough, but it does take time to break old habits and form new ones. To reduce the odds of forgetting to bring reusable bags after May 4, shoppers can start practicing now for the Great Bag Ban.

Learn more about the Bag Ban here or contact Margate Recycling Coordinator Anthony Edge at 609-822-5038.