Business Beyond Basics: April 26, 2022

Tuesday, April 26   9:00am – 10:15am
Virtual

The law banning plastic bags and polystyrene foam food service products will impact many businesses across NJ. What do the new laws mean for your business?

On May 4th, New Jersey turns a new legal leaf when it comes to plastics. The new law, P.L. 2020 c.117, bans all plastic carryout bags and polystyrene foam food service products, paper bags in grocery stores 2500 sq. ft. and larger, and limits plastic straw distribution to only those customers that request a plastic straw. It is a statewide ban for all retail, grocery stores, and food service businesses; from restaurants, delis, coffee shops to food trucks/carts and cafeterias.

How will this impact your business? What is allowed to be used and what is prohibited? What are the penalties for non-compliance?

JoAnn Gemenden of New Jersey Clean Communities Council and Erin Jensen of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will present an overview of the new law that takes effect on May 4, plus take any questions on this effective sustainable policy for New Jersey shoppers and business owners.

About The Presenters:

JoAnn Gemenden just completed her inaugural year as Executive Director of the New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC), where she is tasked with implementing New Jersey’s outreach and education program for the single use plastics ban. Prior to assuming the role as Executive Director of NJCCC, JoAnn served as the Bureau Chief of Recycling in Union County for 35 years, where she was both Recycling and Clean Communities Coordinator. JoAnn has vast experience in environmental education and works to promote ‘behavior change’ when it comes to keeping New Jersey litter free and reducing our reliance on plastic.

Erin Jensen is an Environmental Specialist with the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). She has been with the DEP for almost 5 years and focused mainly on recycling activities. Erin is the DEP Point of Contact for Recycle Coach and rule manager for (P.L.2020, c.117), the plastic bag ban law. She also leads the implantation of the bag ban law on behalf of the department. Erin also manages the Municipal Tonnage Grant program within her Division at the DEP, which includes facilitating multiple education courses throughout the year and accepting and reviewing applications.

This program is a part of the ongoing Business Beyond Basics series. Business Beyond Basics provides continuing education programs that bring businesses and the community together to network, learn and advance. Produced jointly by Roxbury Area Chamber of Commerce and Roxbury Public Library.

Register online at https://www.roxburylibrary.org/event/6375723 or call the Library at (973) 584-2400.