Bring your own shopping bag to South Orange

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ — On Monday, July 8, the South Orange Board of Trustees passed ordinance No. 2019-15, encouraging shoppers to bring reusable carryout bags, eliminating single-use plastic carryout bags, and putting a 5-cent fee on paper carryout bags.

“Our goal is to incentivize shoppers to make the most sustainable shopping choice and start bringing their own reusable bags when they shop in South Orange” Village President Sheena Collum said. “Our local recycling program will not take plastic bags and only a tiny portion ever get recycled. Paper bags cost the retailers more and aren’t a great option either. We think this new ordinance will have a positive impact and start our residents and shoppers thinking about other ways they can work together with local businesses to become more sustainable.”

The new law goes into effect Jan. 1, giving shoppers and retailers time to adjust. Plastic carryout bags will be eliminated and a 5-cent fee will be placed on paper carryout bags provided by the retailer. Shoppers are encouraged to use whatever type of reusable carryout bags they wish to provide and the village will distribute reusable bags throughout autumn 2019. For more specific information on this initiative, visit the South Orange Village website at http://www.southorange.org/bags.

  South Orange Board of Trustees, Village President Sheena Collum