The resolution urges the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) to establish a plastics recycling marketplace to address the significant environmental issues caused by single-use plastics. These plastics, which include items like bottles, bags, and utensils, are designed for one-time use and contribute to a staggering amount of waste—Americans discard billions of these items annually. Current recycling rates in New Jersey are alarmingly low, ranging from six to thirteen percent, leading to severe consequences such as pollution, harm to marine life, and potential contamination of the human food chain through microplastics.

To combat this issue, the resolution calls for the DEP to utilize funds from the State Recycling Fund to conduct research aimed at developing a robust recycling marketplace for single-use plastics. Additionally, it encourages the EDA to provide support and funding to facilitate the establishment of this marketplace. The overarching goal is to increase recycling rates, reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics, and promote sustainable practices that benefit both the ecosystem and the economy.