Summit starts program for residents to share reusable bags ahead of statewide plastic bag ban

Tuesday is the last day New Jersey residents will be getting disposable plastic bags at their local grocery stores. A statewide ban goes into effect Wednesday, May 4. Afterward, customers will be required to bring their own reusable bags.
Some retailers like ShopRite and Wawa have started to give out some free bags to help customers get started.
And some towns – like Summit – have started programs. Summit has kicked off a program for people to share their bags with others.
Under Summit’s program, residents can leave their extra reusable bags or go to City Hall to pick some up.
“We understand residents in Summit may be adversely affected by having to buy reusable bags. And we want to help them. Lots of people have extra bags. So, let’s have those folks drop them off and anyone who needs one, please come by and pick one up,” says Mayor Nora Radest.
Summit’s program runs through the end of May. Radest says that depending on how it is utilized, it may be extended.
The bin is located in the lobby of Summit City Hall by the police station.