New Jersey Paper Bags
Could paper bags be making a comeback in New Jersey? With the 2025 governor’s race heating up, Democratic candidate Rep. Josh Gottheimer has made a bold promise: if elected, he plans to bring paper bags back to big-box stores—for a small fee. This pledge could mark a significant shift in New Jersey’s approach to environmental policy, especially considering the state’s stringent bag ban that has been in effect since 2022.
New Jersey’s Bag Ban: A Look Back
In May 2022, New Jersey enacted one of the strictest bag bans in the country, prohibiting both plastic and paper bags in large supermarkets over 2,500 square feet. Unlike other states that primarily targeted plastic, New Jersey took it a step further by including paper bags in an effort to promote the use of reusable bags. The law, aimed at reducing waste and environmental impact, was initially praised by environmentalists but has since drawn criticism from some consumers and businesses.
The intention behind banning paper bags was to discourage single-use waste altogether. However, the policy has had mixed results. While plastic bag consumption has significantly declined, studies indicate an unexpected rise in the use of heavier, reusable bags—many of which contain plastics and are often discarded after only a few uses. Some reports have suggested that the ban has led to an overall increase in plastic waste due to this unintended shift.
Gottheimer’s Proposal: A Middle Ground?
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, currently serving in Congress, believes that New Jersey’s approach needs recalibration. His proposal to reintroduce paper bags—albeit for a small fee—aims to address some of the practical challenges that residents and businesses have faced under the current law.
Gottheimer argues that paper bags are a more environmentally friendly alternative than reusable plastic-based bags, which require multiple uses to offset their production footprint. He points to data showing that many reusable bags are not used the recommended number of times before disposal, leading to increased waste rather than a reduction. By reinstating paper bags for a fee, Gottheimer hopes to strike a balance between environmental responsibility and consumer convenience.
“We all want to protect our environment,” he stated at a campaign event earlier this month. “But we also have to recognize the burden that this law has placed on working families and seniors who struggle with the inconvenience of carrying reusable bags everywhere. Allowing paper bags—while still discouraging waste with a small fee—offers a reasonable, pragmatic solution.”
Pushback and Support
Gottheimer’s proposal has already sparked debate. Some environmental groups argue that reinstating paper bags could undermine the progress made since 2022. They emphasize that the original ban was designed to change consumer habits permanently and worry that allowing paper bags again—even with a fee—could lead to backsliding.
On the other hand, business owners and shoppers have expressed frustration with the current restrictions. Some grocery stores have reported logistical issues with the ban, particularly with delivery and curbside pickup services, which previously relied on paper bags. Additionally, customers who forget their reusable bags have voiced concerns about the inconvenience of not having an alternative option at checkout.
Republicans and some moderate Democrats have also weighed in, with some calling for an outright repeal of the bag ban. Others, however, see Gottheimer’s plan as a practical compromise.
What’s Next?
As the 2025 gubernatorial race continues, environmental policy—including the future of New Jersey’s bag ban—is likely to be a major talking point. If elected, Gottheimer’s proposal could lead to a legislative shift, potentially influencing how other states approach similar bans in the future.
The debate over paper bags highlights the broader challenge of crafting policies that effectively balance environmental sustainability with real-world practicality. Whether New Jersey ultimately reintroduces paper bags remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the conversation is far from over.
