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Bill

S 3815

Directs DEP to select consultant to perform Statewide needs assessment regarding recycling of packaging products; establishes "Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council" in DEP; appropriates $500,000.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vin Gopal

New Jersey allocates $500,000 for DEP to hire a consultant conducting statewide packaging recycling needs assessment and establishes advisory council to guide the work.

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
#solidwaste
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Bill Summary · S 3815

Legislative bill overview

S 3815 directs New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to hire a consultant to conduct a comprehensive statewide assessment of packaging recycling needs and establishes an advisory council to guide this work. The bill appropriates $500,000 to fund the consultant and associated activities.

Why is this important

Packaging waste represents a significant portion of New Jersey's waste stream, and understanding recycling infrastructure gaps could inform future policy decisions on extended producer responsibility, material bans, or facility improvements. A formal needs assessment provides data-driven foundation for recycling system upgrades that affect residents, businesses, and environmental outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and scope clarity: The $500,000 allocation lacks detail on consultant selection criteria, timeline, and specific deliverables, raising questions about whether funding is adequate and results will be actionable.
  • Advisory council composition: The bill does not specify who sits on the council (industry representatives, environmental groups, municipalities, etc.), which could affect whether recommendations favor certain stakeholders.
  • Implementation gap: The bill creates assessment authority but contains no mechanism requiring the state to act on findings or implement recommendations, potentially resulting in a report that gathers dust.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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