The town of Secaucus plastic bag ban will take effect on February 1 to enforce environmental and wildlife protection while reducing plastic waste and eliminating hazards for land and sea animals. After this date, a fine will be imposed on businesses that are non-compliant with the ordinance, but they will have a few months to phase out existing stock.

The ban applies to all petroleum and plant-based, single-use plastic carry-out bags of any size. A 10¢ fee will apply on paper bags (must be at least 40 percent post-consumer recycled) that are used in substitution of single-use plastic bags. Reusable bags mReust be made from cloth or other fabric. Newspaper sleeves, bags used to wrap produce, bags provided by a pharmacy to protect privacy, laundry/dry cleaner bags, trash bags and animal and yard waste bags are still allowed.