In an effort to help area residents prepare for the state’s plastic bag ban, which takes effect May 4, Alliance for a Living Ocean is unveiling a reusable bag recycling program. “Our goal is to minimize the effect on our environment and help our local consumers and businesses transition to reusable bags,” the nonprofit notes.

Anyone with excess gently used, fabric reusable bags can place them in ALO donation boxes at one of a few locations: the LBI Grade School in Ship Bottom, Farias Surf and Sport in Ship Bottom, Murphy’s Market in Beach Haven, and…