Environment (Waste Management)

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.

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.