NJ
New Jersey Senate Bill S3831

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Senate Bill S3831

Introduced
5/11/23  

Caption

Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires certain retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes if feasible.

Impact

The bill directly impacts New Jersey's environmental laws that restrict single-use plastic and paper carryout bags. By permitting the use of single-use paper bags for grocery delivery, the legislation offers a compromise between consumer convenience and environmental concerns. The move not only reflects a recognition of the increasing demand for convenience in grocery shopping but also poses questions about the effects on overall plastic reduction efforts previously established in state law. Moreover, retailers are urged to incorporate sustainability practices through the repurposing of cardboard, which can lead to decreased waste and environmental footprint.

Summary

Senate Bill 3831, introduced by Senator Patrick J. Diegnan Jr. in New Jersey, aims to amend existing legislation regarding single-use paper carryout bags. Specifically, the bill eliminates the ban on grocery stores providing single-use paper bags for delivery orders, allowing these businesses to distribute them for a fee. Furthermore, it encourages retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes obtained from deliveries to reduce waste, reinforcing a commitment to sustainability within the grocery industry.

Contention

There are notable points of contention related to the environmental impact of allowing single-use paper bags once more, particularly against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about minimizing plastic waste and enhancing sustainability. Critics may argue that loosening restrictions on single-use paper bags could undermine progress in reducing overall plastic and paper waste, given that paper bags still carry significant resource use and environmental costs. The balance between convenience for consumers and the need for strong environmental protections remains a central theme in discussions surrounding this bill.

Latest S3831 Activity

Companion Bills

NJ A4765

Same As Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires certain retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes if feasible.

Similar Bills

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 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 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 S353

Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires certain retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes if feasible.

NJ A1664

Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires certain retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes if feasible.

NJ A4765

Eliminates prohibition on provision of single-use paper bags by grocery stores for delivery orders; requires certain retailers to repurpose cardboard boxes if feasible.

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 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.