New Jersey Ban on Single-Use Plastic Bags and Foam Food Containers
Official: N.J.A.C. 7:26L, Single-Use Paper and Plastic Carryout Bags and Polystyrene Foam Food Service Products
Reading: The rule adoption extends existing New Jersey regulations on single-use bags and polystyrene foam food service products without substantive expansion or narrowing of the underlying policy.
Businesses and residents will need to switch to reusable bags and alternative food containers to comply with the new environmental protection standards.
In clear language
New Jersey has officially adopted rules that ban single-use plastic and paper carryout bags, as well as polystyrene foam food service products like takeout containers and cups. This rule went into effect as of the adoption date in April 2025. Businesses and residents will need to switch to reusable bags and alternative food containers to comply with the new environmental protection standards.
How does this affect you?
Pick the type of resident or organization you most identify with — we'll generate a plain-language breakdown of what changes for you and what you can do about it.
Who does this affect?
- Grocery stores, restaurants, and retail shops that currently provide plastic or paper bags to customers
- Food service businesses using polystyrene foam takeout containers, cups, and clamshells
- Residents and shoppers who will need to bring reusable bags or purchase alternatives
- Manufacturers and suppliers of bags and foam food containers in New Jersey
What can you do?
- Start using reusable shopping bags when you go to stores instead of accepting single-use bags
- Ask restaurants and takeout businesses if they offer compostable or recyclable containers as alternatives to foam
- Support local businesses as they transition to compliant packaging materials
Timeline
- 2025-04-07: Official adoption and publication in NJ Register
In the press
Food truck owners in New Jersey are adapting to the state's ban on single-use plastic bags and Styrofoam containers, which is described as among the strictest in the nation. Coverage notes the compliance adjustments businesses are making as the ban takes effect.
- NJ.comFood truck owners embrace N.J.’s plastic bag, Styrofoam ban but still adjusting
- NJ.comN.J.’s strictest in the nation ban on single-use bags takes effect soon. What you need to know.
Coverage retrieved automatically from major and NJ outlets. Links go to the original reporting; the summary above draws only on these headlines.
No New Jersey official has a verified action on this policy yet.
Related policies
- DEPOct 23, 2026State approves $88 million for open space, parks, and flood-prone home buyouts
New Jersey's Garden State Preservation Trust has approved more than $88 million for projects that protect open land, improve state parks and forests, and buy homes in flood-prone areas through the voluntary Blue Acres program. The money will help preserve water supplies, connect wildlife habitats, and make outdoor spaces easier to reach. The funding also supports flood protection by moving people out of areas that flood repeatedly.
- DEPOct 19, 2026New Jersey Adds All-Terrain Wheelchairs to State Parks
New Jersey is placing five new all-terrain wheelchairs at state parks and historic sites to make outdoor spaces more accessible to people with disabilities. This effort builds on the state's commitment to ensure all residents can enjoy public natural areas. The wheelchairs will be available for use at participating state parks.
- DEPSep 22, 2026New Jersey Plants 1,000th Tree and Awards $9.4 Million for Climate Projects
New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection is celebrating Climate Week by planting its 1,000th tree in Trenton as part of a community tree-planting program. The state is also awarding $9.4 million in grants to support various climate solutions across the state. These funds come from the Natural Climate Solutions Grant Program, which helps communities reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
- DEPSep 21, 2026New Jersey expands program helping regions prepare for flooding and climate change
New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection is expanding its Resilient NJ program to three new regions, helping communities work together to protect homes, businesses, and infrastructure from flooding and climate impacts. The program brings together municipalities, community groups, and consultants to plan and invest in climate resilience. This expansion was announced during Climate Week 2026.