New Jersey is on the cusp of adopting what could be the nation’s strictest regulations on plastic bags and related disposable products.

The restrictions on single-use plastic bags, paper bags, plastic straws and polystyrene food containers could increase opportunities for promotional product distributors to sell branded alternatives, such as tote bags and reusable straws. Still, critics caution the restrictions also could create hardships for grocers and retailers, and lead to other unintended negative economic consequences.

Both the New Jersey Senate and Assembly voted on Thursday, Sept. 24 in favor of the bill that would implement the prohibitions. The Democrat-sponsored bill passed largely along party lines. Proponents support it because they say it will help reduce trash buildup in the Garden State. Plastic litter is also a threat to wildlife and waterways, including the ocean, ban proponents say. Before the bill can officially become law, it must be signed by Gov. Phil Murphy.

#BREAKING: The New Jersey Assembly just passed the strongest plastics ban in the nation, prohibiting single-use plastic bags & polystyrene foam containers, and requiring straws upon request -- an incredible victory in putting #WildlifeOverWaste. pic.twitter.com/m3hSbSqbEO

— Environment New Jersey (@EnvironmentNJ) September 24, 2020

The plastic bag ban is particularly strict. It bans film plastic bags, like those found at grocery stores, regardless of thickness. Other plastic bag bans have often allowed thicker bags to still be used.

The bans on the various disposables apply to a variety of businesses, including restaurants, convenience stores, food trucks, movie theaters and grocery stores that are 2,500 square feet or larger. Grocery stores specifically would be prohibited from giving paper bags to customers. Food service businesses could only provide plastic straws upon a customer’s request.

NorthJersey.com reported that the restrictions on bags are especially geared toward encouraging consumers to use reusable bags.

Jeff Tittel, the director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, told NJ.com that the bill encourages the use of hemp bags, which could give the state an economic boost. “It could help jumpstart another industry in New Jersey for cleaner and recyclable bags,” Tittel said.

Under the legislation, businesses that violate the rules would first receive a warning. A second offense would trigger a $1,000 fine. For the third violation and every transgression thereafter, fines would be $5,000. Money collected would go to the Clean Communities Program Fund, which pays for litter clean-up grants in New Jersey.

The bill creates a “Plastics Advisory Council” within the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, which would be charged with monitoring the implementation of the new regulations and studying plastic waste in New Jersey.