Environment (Recycling) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 15, 2026

A 5286: Allows plastic recyclable material derived from renewable biomass to meet postconsumer recycled content requirements for containers and packaging products.

This New Jersey bill allows plastic recyclable material made from renewable biomass to count toward the state's recycled content requirements for containers and packaging. By amending existing environmental laws, the legislation expands the definition of "postconsumer recycled content" to include these plant-based plastics alongside traditional recycled materials. The rule applies to manufacturers and distributors of rigid plastic containers, glass containers, paper and plastic carryout bags, and plastic trash bags sold in the state. This change aims to provide more flexibility in meeting recycling targets by recognizing newer types of sustainable plastic inputs.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 5352: Revises minimum percentage of postconsumer recycled content in certain plastic trash bags.

This bill modifies New Jersey's existing rules for plastic trash bags by lowering the required amount of recycled material they must contain. Manufacturers of thicker plastic bags, specifically those 1.00 mil thick or more, will no longer need to include 40 percent postconsumer recycled content, as the new requirement is reduced to 20 percent. The law also adjusts recycled content targets for thinner bags, increasing the minimums for 0.70 to 0.80 mil bags from five to 10 percent and for 0.80 to 1.00 mil bags from 10 to 20 percent. These changes apply to all plastic trash bags sold in the state, with the exception of bags designed for hazardous or regulated medical waste. The legislation takes effect immediately upon introduction.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 4402: "Responsible Data Center Development and Resource Protection Act"; establishes Statewide framework concerning siting, land use approval, energy sourcing, water use, and environmental impacts of large load data center development.

This bill creates a statewide framework to regulate the development of large data centers that consume significant amounts of electricity and water. It requires developers to submit a detailed impact statement to the State Planning Commission before seeking local approval, covering issues like energy demand, water usage, environmental effects, and traffic. The legislation specifically directs that these facilities be located on brownfields or in industrial corridors to protect sensitive lands and overburdened communities. Additionally, the impact statement must include plans for alternative energy generation, water recycling, and grid reliability measures.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly May 4, 2026

A 4853: Establishes School Plastics Upcycling Grant Program in DEP to provide proportional awards to eligible schools based on pro rata share of plastics collected, by each school, for upcycling purposes; appropriates $5 million.

This bill creates a grant program within the Department of Environmental Protection to fund schools that collect plastic waste for upcycling into new furniture. It allocates $5 million to distribute proportional awards to eligible public and private K-12 schools based on the amount of plastic each school collects. The program will operate as a three-year pilot, allowing schools to purchase desks, chairs, and other furnishings made from recycled school-collected plastics.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Recycling

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Mar 10, 2026

ACR 131: Urges DEP and EDA to establish plastics recycling marketplace.

This bill is a concurrent resolution that urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Economic Development Authority to establish a plastics recycling marketplace. It calls for the Department of Environmental Protection to use State Recycling Fund money to research how to increase recycling of single-use plastics, while asking the Economic Development Authority to encourage and fund the creation of such a marketplace. The resolution defines single-use plastics as items like bottles, bags, and food containers designed for one-time use and highlights concerns about plastic waste pollution in the environment. This document is a formal recommendation rather than a law, so it does not create binding requirements but instead asks state agencies to take specific actions to address plastic waste management.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 19, 2026

S 4021: Requires certain businesses to submit excess food reduction plan to DEP; provides CBT credit to eligible businesses that reduce excess food by 25 percent.

This bill requires businesses with at least 50 employees in New Jersey that cater or order food to submit an excess food reduction plan to the Department of Environmental Protection for approval. The plan must outline specific strategies to reduce food waste, such as limiting food orders, improving distribution methods, minimizing landfill disposal, and increasing composting or food donation. Businesses that successfully reduce excess food by 25 percent will receive a tax credit against their business privilege tax to offset costs associated with food recycling and donation programs. The bill also mandates that approved businesses submit biannual reports to the Governor and Legislature on the effectiveness of their food reduction efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Recycling Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3830: Directs DEP to develop guidelines concerning State and local government purchase of goods made from recycled material.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to create guidelines specifying minimum percentages of recycled material that should be included in goods purchased by state and local government agencies. The guidelines, which may reference federal EPA standards, must be published online and used in new procurement contracts to the extent practical and feasible. The legislation exempts existing contracts and certain local purchases where following the guidelines would cause unreasonable cost increases or project delays.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 3831: Directs DEP to establish rebate program for purchase of microfiber washing machine filter or replacement filter; appropriates $2.5 million.

This bill directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to create a rebate program that helps residents purchase microfiber washing machine filters, which are devices attached to washing machines to trap synthetic fibers before they enter the wastewater system. The program would provide one-time rebates of up to $100 or the cost of the filter, whichever is less, to residents who buy eligible filters and submit a completed application. The state has appropriated $2.5 million from the General Fund to support this initiative, and the DEP must report annually on the program's usage, costs, and effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics State Budget Recycling

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3759: Requires large organic waste generators to separate and recycle organic waste.

This bill requires large food waste generators (like restaurants, hospitals, supermarkets, and farms producing 52+ tons annually) to separate organic waste at the source and recycle it at authorized facilities within 25 miles. If no nearby facility exists or recycling costs exceed disposal costs by 10%, generators may dispose of waste or apply for a waiver. Violations carry civil penalties of $250-$1,000 per offense, with ongoing violations treated as separate offenses. The law amends existing waste management rules to expand recycling obligations for commercial food waste producers.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3725: Requires producers of plastic packaging and certain other plastic products to reduce quantity of plastic sold; restricts additional substances under "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act."

This bill (A 3725, "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act") requires plastic packaging and certain single-use plastic product producers in New Jersey to reduce the amount of plastic they sell annually by weight. Producers must cut plastic use to 90% of baseline by 2028, 80% by 2030, 70% by 2032, 60% by 2034, and 50% by 2036. Additionally, starting in 2028, cardboard packaging must contain at least 75% postconsumer recycled content and achieve a 75% recycling rate. The law directly affects manufacturers and distributors of covered materials like plastic bags, straws, utensils, and food containers sold in New Jersey, excluding specific medical and regulated items.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

All environment bills