Reusable bag rental system launches at select CVS, Target locations in NJ

Shoppers can check out reusable bags at in-store kiosks and return them for new ones during their next trip to select New Jersey-based CVS and Target locations.

Reusable bags from Michigan-based Goatote, winners of the Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag’s Beyond the Bag Challenge, will be available in stores across Jersey City, Howell Township, Watchung, North Plainfield, Wall and Marlton.

Goatote is partnering with San Francisco-based IT company 99Bridges to power its reusable bag system.

The launch follows the statewide plastic and paper bag ban that went into effect May 4. Gov. Phil Murphy signed the legislation more than a year prior to give retailers a long runway to prepare, as an increasing number of policies across the country have come into effect to address plastic waste globally.

Last August, Goatote and 99Bridges participated in the Beyond the Bag pilots at select CVS Health, Target and Walmart stores. These pilots, managed by New York sustainability investment firm Closed Loop Partners, helped identify how a reusable bag program could evolve. Goatote’s and 99Bridges’ roll-out in New Jersey stores builds on those pilots, expanding on data points and best practices to help retailers, innovators and customers navigate the changing landscape for retail bags, the company said.

“We’re excited to see Goatote and 99Bridges’ progress and continued work with the Consortium to Reinvent the Retail Bag Partners, such as CVS Health and Target. Their work today builds on the collaboration established through the Consortium, and the collective insights gained from the Beyond the Bag pilots, paving the path forward for more circular bag solutions,” says Kate Daly, managing director of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners. “As the demand for reusable bag alternatives rises, especially amidst recent policy changes and a growing plastic waste crisis, we look forward to seeing continued impact on the ground, as innovators further develop and grow reusable bag solutions.”

“Our guests are feeling the growing burden of waste, and that includes single-use plastic retail bags,” said Amanda Nusz, senior vice president of corporate responsibility, Target. “Thanks to Beyond the Bag pilot innovators like Goatote, and the collective efforts of this consortium, we’re able to build circular capabilities in this space and bring our guests along with us, asking them to help co-create the sustainable and affordable solutions we know we need. We’re grateful to continue these important collaborations.”

Reusable bag kiosks can be found in the following Target stores:

• 100 14th St., Jersey City
• 1515 U.S. Highway 22, Watchung
• 4955 U.S. Highway 9, Howell
• 751 Route 73 S., Marlton

Reusable bag kiosks can be found in the following CVS stores:

• 180 E. Greentree Road, Marlton
• 780 Route 22 E., North Plainfield