Environment (Recycling) in New Jersey

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 454: Requires certain State-funded construction projects to utilize plastic construction materials that contain certain amounts of postconsumer recycled content.

This bill requires State-funded construction projects (carried out by state, county, or municipal entities) to use plastic construction materials containing at least 10% postconsumer recycled content for the first two years after enactment, increasing to 15% thereafter. Plastic construction materials are defined as those made of over 50% plastic by cost. Exemptions apply if compliant materials would raise project costs by 25% or are unavailable for the intended use. The bill aims to increase recycled content in construction without imposing undue financial burdens. (Note: This bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.308.)

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

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

A 3001: Requires DEP to develop, and solid waste management districts to use, standardized labels for recycling bins.

This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create standardized labels for recycling bins, clearly showing which materials (like paper, plastic, or glass) each bin accepts. Solid waste management districts must then use these labels across all public recycling bins in their areas. The goal is to reduce confusion among residents about proper recycling practices and improve recycling efficiency. The DEP must develop this labeling system within one year of the bill's effective date.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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

A 2481: Establishes recycling program for unused road sign posts.

New Jersey's Bill A 2481 requires the Department of Transportation to create a program recycling road sign posts unused for over a year. It mandates identifying these posts, setting up municipal collection points, tracking recycled materials, and using recycled content for new signs. The program must seek funding and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing recycled quantities, program improvements, and environmental benefits. This directly affects the Department of Transportation and local municipalities managing road infrastructure. The bill focuses on diverting waste from landfills through a structured recycling system.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Recycling Roads & Highways

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

A 3922: Directs DEP to establish rebate program for purchase of microfiber washing machine filter or replacement filter; appropriates $2.5 million.

This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to create a rebate program within one year for residents purchasing microfiber washing machine filters. The program offers up to $100 per filter (capped at the filter's cost) to encourage adoption of devices that capture plastic microfibers from laundry wastewater before they enter waterways. It appropriates $2.5 million from the General Fund to fund these rebates, with the DEP required to report annually on program effectiveness, rebate numbers, and funding use. The policy directly affects New Jersey residents who buy eligible filters, aiming to reduce microfiber pollution - a source of plastic contamination in waterways.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Procurement State Budget Recycling

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

A 1987: Authorizes grocery stores to provide certain single-use paper carryout bags to customers.

This bill prohibits New Jersey grocery stores from providing single-use paper carryout bags to customers, unless the bags contain a significant amount of postconsumer recycled content. It directly affects grocery stores (defined as self-service retail establishments over 2,500 sq. ft. selling food for off-site consumption) and applies to bags used for transporting groceries or retail goods. The key provision requires stores to either use paper bags with high recycled content or switch to alternative packaging, while exempting bags for specific items like raw meat, produce, or pharmacy prescriptions. The law aims to reduce plastic and paper waste by discouraging single-use bags that contribute to pollution and environmental harm.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1861: Requires solid waste management district to develop strategy to reduce food waste; requires DEP to adopt certain rules and regulations regarding composting facilities.

This bill requires all New Jersey solid waste management districts (including counties and the Hackensack Meadowlands District) to create a strategy reducing food waste by 50% by 2035 compared to 2022 levels. Districts must submit these strategies as amendments to their waste management plans, counting food donations, composting, and anaerobic digestion toward the goal. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) must publish a list of actionable measures for districts (like donation programs, composting infrastructure, and public campaigns) and establish tiered regulations for composting facilities. The policy directly affects local waste management systems and aims to divert food waste from landfills, reducing methane emissions.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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

A 3658: Requires State entities to recycle certain materials and provide recycling bins in State buildings.

This bill requires all New Jersey state government buildings - including offices, agencies, and state universities - to separate and recycle specific materials like aluminum, cardboard, glass, paper, and plastic waste. State entities must provide recycling bins, signage, and education for both employees and the public, and arrange for collection and transportation of recyclables through licensed vendors. The rule does not apply to state parks or forests using a "carry-in, carry-out" trash program. The Department of the Treasury will create compliance guidance and coordinate with courts and the legislature to ensure all state branches follow the requirements.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Feb 12, 2026

A 4041: Establishes "Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Task Force" to study ways to safely store, reuse, recycle, and dispose of used electric vehicle batteries.

New Jersey's Assembly Bill A4041 establishes a 11-member "Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Task Force" within the Department of Environmental Protection. The task force will study safe methods for storing, reusing, recycling, and disposing of used EV batteries, including analyzing current recycling facilities, international policies, and second-life battery applications. It must develop recommendations for state legislation, programs, and infrastructure by a two-year deadline, holding public hearings across the state. The bill directly affects EV manufacturers, battery recyclers, state environmental agencies, and future EV battery management policies.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Energy Storage Recycling Electric Vehicles

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

A 922: Repeals law prohibiting sale or distribution of single-use plastic carryout bags, single-use paper carryout bags, polystyrene foam food service products, and single-use plastic straws.

This bill repeals New Jersey's existing ban on single-use plastic carryout bags, paper carryout bags, polystyrene foam food containers, and plastic straws. It directly affects retailers (who can now sell these items without restriction) and consumers (who regain access to these products). The bill removes the prohibition established in P.L.2020, c.117, without introducing new requirements or funding mechanisms. This is a straightforward policy change eliminating specific product restrictions.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

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

A 3553: Exempts certain plastic materials processed at advanced plastic processing facilities from State laws regulating solid waste disposal and recycling.

This bill exempts plastic materials processed at designated "advanced plastic processing facilities" from New Jersey's solid waste disposal and recycling laws. These facilities must transform plastic into non-fuel products (like chemicals or monomers) using methods such as pyrolysis, not into fuel. The exemption excludes PETE (code 1) and HDPE (code 2) plastics. Processors using these facilities avoid state recycling/disposal rules but remain subject to air/water pollution and land-use laws.

Topics ✗ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management Water Quality

All environment bills