This bill requires the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to engage a qualified consultant through a competitive bidding process to perform a Statewide needs assessment on recycling, composting, and reuse conditions for packaging products. An appropriation of $500,000 is allocated for this assessment, which will analyze current recycling rates, collection systems, and necessary infrastructure improvements. The consultant must provide a draft needs assessment to the newly formed Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council by December 31, 2026, with the final report due to the DEP by May 1, 2027, and subsequently to the Governor and Legislature by June 1, 2027.

The bill also establishes the Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council within the DEP, composed of members appointed by the DEP commissioner to ensure diverse representation. The council will guide the needs assessment, review packaging legislation from other states, and recommend a producer responsibility program for packaging. It is designed to operate until the completion of its primary task, after which it will be dissolved 30 days following the submission of the final assessment. This initiative aims to improve recycling efforts in New Jersey by leveraging expert insights and recommendations.