New Jersey’s single-use plastic bag ban has been in place since 2022, but the need for reusable shopping bags remains. Our network of food pantries and other community partners continues to rely on donations and grant funding to provide food and other necessities to our neighbors in need. Reusable bags are an important part of that effort, helping our partners distribute food with dignity.
The Community FoodBank of New Jersey is partnering with GOATOTE, with support from New Jersey Clean Communities Council (NJCCC), to give reusable shopping bags a second life while supporting safe and dignified food distribution.
GOATOTE operates circular recovery programs for reusable bags, providing collection, professional cleaning, inspection, sorting and redistribution services. Through this partnership, donated shopping bags are professionally processed and prepared for reuse across CFBNJ’s network.
Bags that meet quality standards are returned to circulation clean, functional and ready to support food distribution. Bags that are no longer suitable for reuse are directed toward responsible end-of-life management.
Together, CFBNJ, GOATOTE and NJCCC are helping extend the life of reusable bags, reduce waste and create a more circular system for an everyday item.