Senate commerce committee releases bill to allow recyclable paper grocery bags after hours of testimony

Senate Commerce Committee members voted unanimously to release S.3413 on March 24, 2025, a bill that would permit grocery stores to provide specified single‑use paper carryout bags made from recycled fiber.

Proponents, including representatives of paper manufacturers, unions and the American Forest & Paper Association, told the committee the change would restore local paper‑bag manufacturing jobs and rely on a curbside recycling stream available to most New Jersey households. “These paper bags are locally produced, they’re reusable, sustainable, and the only grocery bag that consumers can recycle at home in their curbside bin,” said Ryan Carroll, senior director of government affairs, American Forest and Paper Association.

Opponents…