New Jersey Assembly Bill A4549

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/13/24
• Refer: 6/13/24

Caption

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

Impact

The bill is a direct response to mounting evidence regarding plastic pollution and its detrimental effects on the environment, including the overpowering dominance of microplastics in the ocean. The Legislature's findings highlight the significance of addressing single-use plastics and paper carryout bags as major contributors to waste and pollution. By permitting grocery stores to offer certain paper bags with specified recycled content, the bill attempts to guide consumers towards more sustainable choices while still adhering to environmental regulations.

Summary

Assembly Bill A4549, introduced by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano, aims to amend existing legislation regarding single-use paper carryout bags in New Jersey. The bill allows grocery stores to provide single-use paper bags to customers, provided that these bags contain a stipulated percentage of postconsumer recycled content. Specifically, these sustainable bags must average at least 40% postconsumer recycled materials, or 20% for bags designed to hold eight pounds or less. This change seeks to balance consumer convenience with ongoing environmental concerns about plastic waste.

Contention

The initiative encounters opposition relating to environmental implications, as concerns arise about the energy and resources involved in the production and transportation of single-use paper bags, which may rival those associated with plastic bags. Critics argue that without rigorous enforcement of the recycled content standards, the projected benefits might not materialize. Furthermore, the legislation includes a provision that preempts any existing local regulations regarding plastic or paper bag use, raising questions about local government autonomy and consumer choice in addressing environmental issues.