WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

S 1576

Establishes farm pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer collection and disposal program.*

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Shirley Turner

Bill S 1576 establishes a voluntary program in New Jersey for commercial farms to safely collect and dispose of unused pesticides, enhancing environmental safety.

Reported out of Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading
#environment
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 1576

Summary of Bill S 1576: Establishes Farm Pesticide Collection and Disposal Program

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 1576 aims to create a comprehensive program for the collection and disposal of unused pesticides and pesticide containers from commercial farms in New Jersey. The primary goal is to enhance environmental safety by ensuring proper disposal practices and reducing the risk of pesticide contamination in the environment.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several important provisions:

  1. Program Establishment:

    • The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, will establish a farm pesticide collection and disposal program.
    • The program will focus on collecting, transporting, and disposing of unused pesticides and fertilizers containing pesticides, as well as recycling pesticide containers.

  2. Voluntary Participation:

    • Participation in the program by commercial farms will be voluntary.

  3. Collection Sites and Events:

    • The DEP will strategically place collection sites across New Jersey, ensuring at least one site in each of the northern, central, and southern regions.
    • A minimum of two collection events will be held annually at each site.

  4. Contracting and Oversight:

    • The DEP will contract with qualified entities for the safe collection, transportation, and disposal of pesticides and fertilizers, as well as for recycling pesticide containers.
    • Local agents will be appointed to inventory collected materials and report this information to the DEP.

  5. Public Education Campaign:

    • The Department of Agriculture will conduct a public education campaign to inform farmers about collection site locations, accepted materials, program benefits, and environmental impacts.
    • Information will be made available on the Department of Agriculture’s website and updated as necessary.

  6. Regulatory Framework:

    • The DEP will adopt necessary rules and regulations to implement the program in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

Affected Parties

  • Commercial Farms: The primary beneficiaries of the program will be commercial farms that will have access to safe disposal methods for unused pesticides and containers.
  • Environmental Stakeholders: The program aims to benefit the broader community and environment by reducing pesticide contamination risks.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: January 09, 2024
  • Current Status: Reported out of Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd Reading as of November 13, 2025.
  • Effective Date: The act will take effect 180 days after enactment, although preparatory actions may be taken in advance by the Commissioner of Environmental Protection and the Secretary of Agriculture.

Related Legislation

  • Companion Bill: A 5357

This bill represents a proactive step towards improving agricultural practices and environmental health in New Jersey by facilitating the responsible management of pesticides.

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

Sign in to ask a question.