The proposed bill aims to significantly reduce plastic waste in New Jersey by imposing strict regulations on producers of plastic packaging and certain plastic products. Specifically, it requires these producers to decrease the amount of covered material by 10% within two years, escalating to a 50% reduction within ten years, based on a baseline established prior to the bill's enactment. Additionally, starting two years after the bill's effective date, all cardboard packaging must contain at least 75% postconsumer recycled content and achieve a recycling rate of at least 75%. Violations of these requirements could lead to civil penalties of up to $10,000 per day.

Moreover, the bill amends the "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act" to include stricter definitions and limits on toxic substances in packaging materials, expanding the list of prohibited substances to include harmful chemicals such as PFAS, ortho-phthalates, and vinyl chloride. A new Toxic Packaging Task Force will be established within the Department of Environmental Protection to review the toxicity of packaging materials and recommend additional substances for regulation. The Department will be required to adopt rules based on these recommendations within one year, enhancing the state's ability to manage and reduce toxic packaging waste effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-99.47