The "Electronic Cigarette Extended Producer Responsibility Act" establishes a framework for managing the environmental impact of e-cigarette disposal in New Jersey. It requires producers to form a producer responsibility organization (PRO) within two years of the bill's enactment. This organization is tasked with creating an e-cigarette stewardship plan that must be approved by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The plan should ensure that at least 90% of residents have access to a collection site within 15 miles of their homes and must include provisions for the collection, reuse, recycling, and environmentally sound disposal of e-cigarettes. The PRO will also implement a fee system based on the environmental impact of the e-cigarettes sold.

To enforce compliance, the bill prohibits the sale of e-cigarettes by producers who are not members of an approved PRO, with penalties for violations including fines of up to $500. The DEP, along with local environmental enforcement agencies, is authorized to enforce these regulations and can impose civil administrative penalties of up to $10,000 for non-compliance. The bill emphasizes the importance of environmentally responsible practices and aims to reduce the financial burden on the public sector regarding e-cigarette waste management. It is set to take effect immediately upon passage.