Support is growing for an overhaul of New Jersey’s controversial plastic bag ban.
State Senator Michael Testa, R-Cape May, called for a “complete overhaul” of the single-use bag ban that has been in place since early May.
With reusable bags piling up in the homes and cars of New Jersey residents, Testa says the state should look to New Jersey manufacturers for a solution.
We should have benefited from the manufacturing power of state-owned companies that are able to fill the plastic gap with paper bags,” Testa said in a press release. “The bags could be made from recycled paper, and after use they could just be recycled again. “
The glut of reusable bags has been frustrating for many New Jersey residents. Especially for those who use grocery delivery services. They are forbidden to use paper or plastic bags, so every new order comes with the cloth bags.
Testa claims that the import of sewn reusable bags has almost doubled to 500 million bags. Bags that today are often thrown away and not reused.
“It’s time to go back to the drawing board and get this right,” Testa said.
“This is another example of Trenton Democrats jumping up before they looked. In their eagerness to placate the governor’s political allies, they passed a flawed law that caused even more problems. It’s time to go back to the drawing board and get it right.” – NJ Senator Michael Testa
It’s worth noting before you throw out the bags, New Jersey pantries badly need them. They will soon be subject to the plastic bag ban and need the cloth bags to pack groceries for those seeking help. You can find out where you can donate here.
State Senator Bob Smith, D-Monmouth, is the sponsor of the original bag ban. He says he’s open to an overhaul of the law.
Last week, Smith indicated he was working on new legislation that would provide options for online grocery orders.
These options include forcing the delivery service to take back unwanted bags or packing groceries in boxes.
Smith says he’s also willing to discuss the idea of paper bags, but not as a primary option.
Eric Scott is Senior Political Director and Moderator for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at [email protected]
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