■ NJDEP Update
Continued From Page 48 more than 2,500 square feet . The law also bans Styrofoam clamshell food containers .
Starting Oct . 4 , 2021 , plastic straws at restaurants will be available only upon request . The law is designed to reduce pollution and protect New Jersey ’ s environment and economy .
Under the new law , polystyrene foam food service products and foods sold or provided in polystyrene foam food service products will
also be banned as of May 4 , 2022 , and food service businesses will only be allowed to provide single-use plastic straws by request starting Nov . 4 , 2021 .
Beginning May 4 , 2022 , New Jersey businesses may not sell or provide single-use plastic carryout bags to their customers . Those businesses that decide to sell or provide reusable carryout bags must ensure that the bags meet the requirements as defined in the law .
The City of Paterson will be receiving more than $ 190,000 through the Clean Communities program .
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The law defines reusable bags as ones that are made of polypropylene fabric , PET non-woven fabric , nylon , cloth , hemp product or other washable fabric ; have stitched handles ; and are designed and manufactured for multiple reuses .
Certain exemptions apply . The following products will be exempt for an additional two years , until May 4 , 2024 : disposable , long-handled polystyrene foam soda spoons when required and used for thick drinks ; portion cups of two ounces or less , if used for hot foods or foods requiring lids ; meat and fish trays for raw or butchered meat , including poultry , or fish that is sold from a refrigerator or similar retail appliance ; any food product pre-packaged by the manufacturer with a polystyrene foam food service product ; and any other polystyrene foam food service product as determined necessary by the NJDEP .
The nonprofit Clean Communities Council , a longtime NJDEP partner that oversees the implementation of municipal and county litter abatement programs funded by Clean Communities grants , will also play an important role as the state implements the new bag law . The group has launched a Bag Up NJ campaign , which urges consumers to use re-usable bags when they shop .
New Jersey ’ s single-use plastics law is considered the most comprehensive in the nation . To help New Jersey businesses prepare ,
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