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Bill > A1987


NJ A1987

NJ A1987
Authorizes grocery stores to provide certain single-use paper carryout bags to customers.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026-2027 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill would amend P.L.2020, c.117 (C.13:1E-99.126 et seq.) to authorize grocery stores to provide single-use paper carryout bags to their customers, provided that the bags contain a certain percentage of postconsumer recycled content. Specifically, the bags would be required to meet or exceed the postconsumer recycled content requirements of section 6 of P.L.2021, c.391 (C.13:1E-99.140). Under that section of law, paper carryout bags are required to contain, on average, at least 40 percent postconsumer recycled content; except that a paper carryout bag that holds eight pounds or less is required to contain, on average, at least 20 percent postconsumer recycled content.

AI Summary

This bill amends existing law, P.L.2020, c.117, which previously restricted the use of single-use plastic and paper carryout bags, to allow grocery stores to provide certain single-use paper carryout bags to customers, provided these bags meet specific environmental standards. Specifically, the bill defines a "sustainable paper carryout bag" as one that contains a certain percentage of postconsumer recycled content, meaning materials that have been used by consumers and then reprocessed into new products. This requirement aligns with existing law that mandates paper bags holding eight pounds or less to contain at least 20 percent postconsumer recycled content, and larger paper bags to contain at least 40 percent. The bill's intent is to permit the use of these more environmentally friendly paper bags while continuing to limit less sustainable options.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee (on 01/13/2026)

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