This bill mandates the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to conduct a Statewide needs assessment on the recycling, composting, and reuse of packaging products, funded by an appropriation of $500,000. A qualified consultant will be selected through a competitive bidding process to evaluate current recycling conditions, identify gaps, and assess the capacity and costs associated with packaging recycling in the state. The final assessment is due to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature by June 1, 2027, with a draft required by December 31, 2026, for review by the newly established Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council.

The bill also establishes the Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council within the DEP, composed of members appointed by the DEP commissioner, ensuring representation from various stakeholders such as material recovery facilities, haulers, local governments, and environmental organizations. The council will provide guidance on the needs assessment, review packaging legislation from other states, and recommend a producer responsibility program for packaging. The council will be dissolved 30 days after the final needs assessment is submitted, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of the state's recycling efforts through expert insights and recommendations.