Deadline for NJ’s ban on single-use plastic bags, foam food containers Starting May 4, 2022, New Jersey’s ban on single-use carryout bags and polystyrene-foam food containers will go into effect. That may sound like plenty of time to gear up for the big bag-out, but Secretary of State Tahesha Way and Shawn M. LaTourette, acting commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection, are joining forces to help Garden State stores and food-service businesses get ready. The law, P.L. 2020, c117, prohibits the use of single-use plastic carryout bags in all stores and food-service facilities. Single-use paper carryout bags are a no-go in grocery stores that occupy at least 2,500 square feet.