This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to engage a qualified consultant through a competitive bidding process to conduct a Statewide needs assessment on the recycling, composting, and reuse of packaging products. An appropriation of $500,000 is allocated for this assessment, which aims to evaluate current recycling conditions, identify gaps, and determine the necessary infrastructure and investments needed to achieve optimal recycling rates by 2035 for materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal. The final assessment is to be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature by June 1, 2027.

Additionally, the bill establishes a temporary "Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council" within the DEP, composed of members appointed by the DEP commissioner. This council is tasked with providing guidance and recommendations throughout the assessment process, reviewing the draft needs assessment, and ensuring that feedback is incorporated into the final report. The council will be dissolved 30 days after the final assessment is submitted, marking the end of its mandate. The bill emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in the council's membership to effectively address the state's recycling needs.