The resolution urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to establish a marketplace for recycling single-use plastics. It highlights the significant environmental issues caused by single-use plastics, which are designed for brief use and often end up in landfills, waterways, and oceans, contributing to pollution and potential harm to wildlife and human health. Current recycling rates for these plastics in New Jersey are alarmingly low, ranging from six to thirteen percent, necessitating urgent action to improve recycling efforts and reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.

To address this issue, the resolution calls for the DEP to utilize funds from the State Recycling Fund to conduct research aimed at developing a robust plastics recycling marketplace. Additionally, it encourages the EDA to provide funding and support for the establishment of this marketplace. The overarching goal is to increase the recycling of single-use plastics, thereby decreasing their prevalence in the environment and mitigating their harmful effects on ecosystems and public health.