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Bill

A 5357

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

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese and 3 co-sponsors

Bill A 5357 establishes a program for New Jersey farms to safely collect and dispose of unused pesticides and fertilizers, enhancing environmental safety and public health.

Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · A 5357

Summary of Bill A 5357: Farm Pesticide, Herbicide, and Fertilizer Collection and Disposal Program

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 5357 aims to establish a comprehensive program for the collection and disposal of unused pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers held by commercial farms in New Jersey. The primary goal is to promote environmental safety by ensuring that these potentially hazardous substances are disposed of properly, thereby reducing their impact on the environment and public health.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several critical components for the implementation of the collection and disposal program:

  1. Program Establishment:

    • The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture, will create the program.
    • Participation by commercial farms is voluntary.

  2. 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 per year will be held at each site.

  3. Contracting and Oversight:

    • The DEP will contract with qualified entities to safely collect, transport, and dispose of pesticides and fertilizers.
    • Local agents will be appointed to inventory collected materials and report this information to the DEP.

  4. Public Education Campaign:

    • The Department of Agriculture will conduct a public awareness campaign to inform farmers about:
      • Collection site locations and event dates.
      • Types of materials accepted by the program.
      • Benefits of participation for farmers and environmental health.

  5. Reporting and Accountability:

    • An annual report summarizing program operations, including quantities collected, participation levels, expenditures, and environmental benefits, will be submitted to the Governor and Legislature by March 1 each year.

  6. Regulatory Framework:

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

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly benefit:
- Commercial Farms: By providing a safe and responsible way to dispose of hazardous materials, the program will help farms comply with environmental regulations and reduce liability.
- Public Health and Environment: Proper disposal of pesticides and fertilizers will mitigate risks associated with chemical runoff and contamination of soil and water sources.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 25, 2025
  • Current Status: Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading as of March 20, 2025.
  • Effective Date: The act will take effect 180 days after enactment, although anticipatory administrative actions may be taken beforehand.

Related Legislation

  • S 1576: A companion bill in the Senate addressing similar objectives.

This summary provides an overview of Bill A 5357, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on commercial farms and the environment in New Jersey.

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

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