Ordinances Restricting Use of Single-Use Plastics
Submitted by Amy Cairns
The City of Summit Common Council has passed three ordinances restricting use of single-use plastics. The first ordinance prohibits use of single-use plastic bags by businesses at the point of purchase. The second ordinance is a ban on polystyrene (commonly known as Styrofoam) food containers. The third ordinance limits businesses to provide plastic straws by customer request only. The ordinances will go into effect on May 1, 2020.
“Restrictions on single-use plastics like other initiatives undertaken by the city were an inclusive process,” explains Summit Mayor Nora Radest. “Before ordinances were considered by Common Council, community workshops were held to gather feedback to pass ordinances that positively impact environmental sustainability without negative outcomes for local businesses.”
In October of 2019, city and elected officials held two community workshops to answer questions and obtain input from the business and residential communities on the development of the ordinances. The ordinances were passed by Common Council on November 18, 2019.
Summit joins neighbor towns of Chatham, Madison and Maplewood in passing single-use plastics restrictions. The New Jersey state legislature is expected to introduce legislation restricting single-use plastics during its next session. If the state passes stricter regulations on plastics use, it will supersede any local Summit ordinances.
For more information on restrictions of single-use plastics and exceptions outlined in the ordinances, visit the City of Summit website.
