The bill mandates that the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulate scrap metal facilities as recycling facilities, introducing new definitions for "scrap metal" and "scrap metal facility." The term "scrap metal" encompasses various ferrous and non-ferrous metal objects that are salvaged and recycled, while a "scrap metal facility" is defined as any location that receives, stores, transfers, or processes scrap metal for recycling. The bill removes the previous definition of "scrap processing facility" and aligns existing laws with these new definitions, ensuring that scrap metal facilities are subject to the same regulations as other recycling operations, including the management of lead acid batteries.

Additionally, the bill requires scrap metal facility owners or operators to register with the DEP within one year of the bill's effective date, paying a registration fee of $700 and renewing annually unless an extension is granted. The DEP will use this registration information to establish operational and management requirements, including permits for various operations. Specific operational mandates are imposed on facilities that operate shredders, focusing on fire risk prevention and residue management. Violations of the bill's provisions will be treated as violations of the Solid Waste Management Act, allowing for DEP inspections, and individuals providing false information may face criminal charges and civil penalties. Overall, the bill aims to enhance oversight and improve public health and environmental safety in scrap metal recycling in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 13:1E-99.12, 13:1E-199, 13:1E-200, 13:1E-201, 13:1E-202, 13:1E-203, 13:1E-207, 13:1E-96.5