What Is And Isn't Prohibited With Millburn's Upcoming Plastic Ban

MILLBURN, NJ — Millburn's new ordinance against single-use plastics, such as throw-away supermarket bags, goes into effect on June 12.

The ordinance also bans Styrofoam carryout containers and makes straws available only upon request.

According to a town spokeswoman, the most important things to know about the ordinance are:

• Single-use plastic carryout bags are banned in all retail establishments
• Polystyrene (frequently referred to as Styrofoam) carryout containers are banned in all retail establishments
• Single-use straws are available only upon request
• Paper bags may be offered to customers for a fee of five cents per bag
• Reusable bags may be offered to customers for a fee of at least ten cents per bag
• Customers may bring their own bags, of any type, with them to carry out their purchases
• Retailers must keep the bag fees
• The only plastic bags and polystyrene containers banned by this ordinance are those used to carry out purchases (in other words, not those already holding materials inside a store).

The full text of the ordinance, passed by the Summit Common Council in December, is here.

Dozens of towns around New Jersey have passed plastic bag bans, and the state Senate banned single-use plastics in March — a step closer to a statewide ban. The intent is to cut down on health hazards in the foam, and on insoluble materials that pollute the oceans.

More information is on the township website here.

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