[HISTORY: Adopted by the Township Committee of the Township
of Dennis: Art. I, 1-22-1990 as Ord. No. 90-187. Amendments noted where applicable.]
[Adopted 1-22-1990 as Ord. No. 90-187]
This Article seeks, to the maximum extent practicable, to eliminate
the use of nondegradable packaging originating in retail establishments
within the Township of Dennis to protect the air, land and waters
of the township against environmental contamination and degradation.
As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
Packaging made of cellulose-based or other substances that
are capable of being readily attacked, decomposed, assimilated and
otherwise completely oxidized or broken down by bacteria or other
natural or biological organisms into carbonaceous soil material or
water and carbon dioxide.
All food-related wrappings, adhesives, cords, bindings, bags,
boxes and containers and disposable or nonreusable plates, cups or
drinking utensils intended for use within the Township of Dennis.
All sales outlets, stores, shops or other places of business
located in the Township of Dennis which sell or convey foods directly
to the ultimate consumer, which foods are predominately contained,
wrapped or held in or on packaging, and shall include but shall not
be limited to any place where food is prepared, cooked, packaged,
handled, stored, manufactured or sold or offered for sale.
A.
No retail food establishment located or doing business within the
Township of Dennis shall sell or convey food directly to ultimate
consumers within the township unless such food is placed, wrapped
or packed in biodegradable packaging prior to the removal of such
food from the premises of such retail food establishment.
B.
No retail food establishment located and doing business within the
Township of Dennis shall provide eating utensils or food containers
to any consumers within the township if those utensils or food containers
are composed of polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride.
A.
The Township of Dennis shall not purchase any food packaging which
contains polystyrene or polyvinyl chloride, nor shall it sponsor any
event which utilizes such packaging. All food packaging shall be biodegradable
and/or photodegradable.
B.
The township shall exclusively advertise for receipt of bids for
degradable plastic bags for use by the township.
Section 162-3 of this Article does not apply to the following items:
A.
Any flexible transparent covering for uncooked or raw meat or poultry,
raw fish, hard cheese, cold cuts, fruit and vegetable produce, baked
goods or bread.
B.
Any food packaging used at hospitals or nursing homes.
C.
Any paper or other cellulose-based packaging that is coated with
polyethylene plastic on only one side.
D.
Any plastic covers, covering material, food containers, lids, eating
utensils or straws that are not made out of polystyrene or polyvinyl
chloride.
The Code Official of the Township of Dennis is hereby empowered
to enforce the provisions of this Article and to issue summonses for
any violation thereof in accordance with the rules governing the courts
of the State of New Jersey.
Any person found guilty of violating any provision of this Article
shall be punished by a fine of not less than $100 and not more than
$1,000. Each violation and each day a violation is committed or permitted
to continue shall constitute a separate violation and shall be punishable
as such.
