This bill mandates significant reductions in the quantity of plastic packaging and certain plastic products sold or distributed in New Jersey. Producers are required to decrease the weight of covered materials to 90% of a baseline value within two years, 80% within four years, 70% within six years, 60% within eight years, and ultimately to 50% within ten years. 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%. The bill also amends the "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act" to prohibit the sale of packaging or products containing specific toxic substances, including PFAS, ortho-phthalates, and bisphenols.

To ensure compliance, the legislation introduces civil penalties for violations, with fines up to $10,000 per day for noncompliance with the new packaging requirements and $7,500 per day for violations of the amended Toxic Packaging Reduction Act. Furthermore, a 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 DEP is required to adopt rules based on these recommendations within one year, aiming to significantly reduce the environmental impact of packaging materials and promote safer alternatives.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-99.47