New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A4289

Introduced
6/16/22  

Caption

Eliminates prohibition on sale of certain polystyrene foam products to schools and school food service vendors.

Impact

The enactment of A4289 will have significant implications on state laws that govern the use of polystyrene foam in food services. By permitting schools and their food vendors to sell and use polystyrene foam products, the bill aims to respond to the needs of these institutions while sidestepping possible supply chain disruptions caused by environmental regulations. However, it also raises concerns regarding environmental sustainability and the continued use of materials known to contribute to waste, as polystyrene is not biodegradable and poses challenges for recycling.

Summary

Bill A4289 proposes the elimination of the restriction on the sale of certain polystyrene foam products to public and private schools, as well as food service vendors servicing these schools. This action intends to revise existing legislation that currently prohibits the sale of polystyrene foam food service products, which include items like containers and cutlery, thereby allowing schools to utilize these products for food service purposes. Through this bill, the legislature aims to facilitate the availability of these items in educational institutes, addressing the needs of food service businesses that provide meals to students.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding A4289, primarily focused on the expected environmental impact of reinstating the use of polystyrene foam products. Critics argue that allowing such materials in school food services undercuts efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable alternatives. Conversely, proponents assert that the flexibility provided by this bill is necessary for food service operations, particularly in schools that may struggle to source compliant materials. Additionally, the bill contains provisions allowing waivers for specific cases where affordable or feasible alternatives are not available, adding another layer of complexity to the conversation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ A4173

Exempts egg cartons from law prohibiting polystyrene foam food service products.

NJ S3114

Eliminates prohibition on paper bags, and allows packaging options, for certain grocery orders for three years; requires program for disposition of reusable bags; extends timeframe for use of certain bags by food banks and pantries.

NJ A4859

Eliminates prohibition on paper bags, and allows packaging options, for certain grocery orders for three years; requires program for disposition of reusable bags; extends timeframe for use of certain bags by food banks and pantries.

NJ A2065

Amends applicability of law prohibiting sale and distribution of plastic and paper carryout bags to food banks and food pantries; appropriates $600,000.

NJ S239

Eliminates prohibition on paper bags, and allows packaging options, for certain grocery orders for three years; requires program for disposition of reusable bags; extends timeframe for use of certain bags by food banks and pantries.

NJ S3358

Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper and plastic carryout bags by grocery stores for delivery, pick-up or curbside pickup orders.

NJ S964

Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper and plastic carryout bags by grocery stores for delivery, pick-up or curbside pickup orders.

NJ A5592

Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires grocery stores and third party grocery delivery services to establish program for reuse of reusable bags used for delivery orders.

NJ A4741

Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for certain orders for five years; allows packaging options for grocery orders; requires program for disposition of reusable bags for grocery orders.

NJ S3290

Exempts pick-your-own orchards from State's plastic bag ban and authorizes pick-your-own orchards to sell ground-harvested fruit as ingredients for use in food and other value-added products.

Similar Bills

NJ A4173

Exempts egg cartons from law prohibiting polystyrene foam food service products.

CA AB1371

Recycling: plastic: packaging and carryout bags.

NJ A2065

Amends applicability of law prohibiting sale and distribution of plastic and paper carryout bags to food banks and food pantries; appropriates $600,000.

CA AB2026

Recycling: plastic packaging.

NJ A4549

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

NJ S3413

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

NJ A4029

Allows stores, and certain other establishments, to provide and sell compostable plastic bags and recycled paper bags to customers.

NJ S3358

Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper and plastic carryout bags by grocery stores for delivery, pick-up or curbside pickup orders.