The proposed bill establishes the School Plastics Upcycling Grant Program within the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to provide financial support to eligible schools based on the amount of plastics they collect for upcycling. The program will allocate $5 million in grant funding, distributed proportionally to schools according to their share of collected plastics. Key terms such as "authorized upcycler," "collected plastics," and "school-appropriate furnishings" are defined, and eligibility criteria require schools to demonstrate engagement in plastic collection activities and commitment to donating collected plastics to authorized upcyclers.

Operating on a pilot basis for three years, the program's continuation will depend on the commissioner's evaluation and available funding. Schools receiving grants must use at least 80% of the funds for purchasing upcycled furnishings, with up to 20% permitted for administrative costs. Unspent grant funds can be rolled over for future use. The commissioner will develop rules for grant applications, funding evaluations, and reporting requirements, and is also tasked with submitting annual reports on the program's effectiveness and recommendations for its future. The bill emphasizes equitable distribution of funds based on each school's pro rata share of collected plastics, ensuring access to grant funding for all eligible schools.