The Packaging Product Stewardship Act requires producers of packaging products sold in New Jersey to create and implement stewardship plans that manage the life-cycle of packaging waste. Producers must submit these plans to the Commissioner of Environmental Protection for approval within 180 days of the act's enactment. The plans should promote responsible management of discarded packaging, enhance recycling and reuse efforts, and reduce public sector involvement in waste management. Key elements of the plans include identifying participating producers, detailing the types of packaging covered, setting performance goals for recycled content, and outlining financing mechanisms for implementation. Producers are prohibited from selling or distributing packaging products in New Jersey unless they have an approved stewardship plan within 18 months of the act's effective date.

The bill also establishes reporting requirements for producers, including annual evaluations of the stewardship plan's effectiveness, and grants the commissioner authority to enforce compliance through penalties and administrative orders. It emphasizes public outreach and education to inform consumers about proper disposal and recycling practices. Additionally, the bill provides protections against antitrust claims for producers' actions that facilitate recycling, as long as they do not involve price-fixing or output restrictions. The stewardship plans must be reviewed and updated at least every five years, and if a plan is disapproved, producers must submit a revised plan within 30 days. Overall, the legislation aims to promote sustainable practices among producers while minimizing public sector involvement in packaging waste management.