New Jersey's ban on plastic and paper bags starts Wednesday

New Jersey's ban on plastic and paper bags begins on Wednesday as the Garden State moves to become greener.

CHERRY HILL, N.J. - New Jersey's ban on plastic and paper bags begins on Wednesday as the Garden State moves to become greener.

Stores will be prohibited from handing out single-use plastic bags beginning Wednesday. Customers will be encouraged to BYOB-- bring your own bags.

The disposal bag ban is one of a handful nationwide and the only ban that includes paper bags. Governor Phil Murphy signed the ban into law in 2020.

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For those ordering pick up, some stores have said they will add the cost of reusable bags to the bill. Wawa is giving out free reusable bags Wednesday morning as people adjust to the ban.

"I guess it’s good, because, like, you go to the beach and all you see is plastic bags, among other things. That’s all you see and a bunch of other trash and everything like that. So, if we eliminate one of those issues, then I’m all for it," shopper Amber Muhlbaier explained.

Hank's Take: New Jersey's plastic bag ban hits Wednesday

The question "paper or plastic" will be a thing of the past starting this week.

So what do you do with the stockpile of plastic bags occupying draws or cabinets in your house? FOX 29's Hank Flynn heard from New Jersey residents who suggested using them as lunch bags or garbage bags for your car. Dog owners may already know that a plastic shopping bag is perfect for cleaning up after your furry four-legged friend.

"It’s practical. I shop at Costco, too, and you don’t have bags there. You just put it in a box so if they provide them, leave them there for us to use," another shopper, Crystal Lucas said.