Union County, NJ has announced the expansion of its reusable bag recycling program, aimed at addressing the surplus of reusable bags.
With the implementation of New Jersey’s Get Past Plastic law, which prohibits businesses from providing single-use plastic bags, many individuals have transitioned to using reusable bags. However, some people occasionally forget to bring their reusable bags to stores, resulting in the purchase of additional bags. Over time, this has led to an accumulation of excess reusable bags in households. Furthermore, grocery delivery services often provide customers with reusable bags, contributing to the surplus, a county news release notes.
“With Union County residents at the heart of this initiative, we are transforming excess into opportunity, creating a sustainable cycle that benefits both our environment and our community,” said Commissioner Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Molded. “This program not only tackles waste but also represents unity and responsibility, showcasing the power of collective action for a greener, brighter future. Thank you to all of those who are involved in making this initiative possible.”
Residents from any municipality in Union County can bring their gently-used reusable bags to any of the participating locations. GOATote, Inc. will collect the bags, thoroughly clean and sanitize them, and deliver them to the Community Food Bank of New Jersey in Hillside. From there, the bags will be distributed to local Food Pantries in need.
Click for participating locations
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