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Bill

S 3398

"Packaging and Paper Product Stewardship Act."*

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Paul Moriarty and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill shifts packaging waste management costs from municipalities to producers through a stewardship program requiring manufacturers to fund collection and recycling infrastructure.

Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee
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Bill Summary · S 3398

Legislative bill overview

S 3398 establishes a "producer responsibility" system for packaging and paper products in New Jersey, requiring manufacturers and brand owners to fund the collection, sorting, and recycling of their packaging materials rather than placing those costs on municipalities and taxpayers. The bill aims to shift financial and operational responsibility upstream to producers while creating a statewide system for managing packaging waste.

Why is this important

Packaging waste represents a significant portion of municipal solid waste streams, and collection costs currently burden local governments and residents through taxes and fees. This legislation could reduce taxpayer expenses for waste management while potentially incentivizing producers to use less packaging or more recyclable materials. However, implementation would create new regulatory structures and compliance costs for manufacturers.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost pass-through to consumers: Producers may increase product prices to offset stewardship program costs, potentially raising prices on everyday goods for all New Jersey residents
  • Small business burden: Small manufacturers and retailers may face disproportionate compliance and administrative costs compared to large corporations with existing sustainability infrastructure
  • Program effectiveness uncertainty: The actual environmental benefits depend heavily on implementation details (currently in substitute form), including collection rates, material processing standards, and enforcement mechanisms not yet publicly detailed
  • Interstate market complications: New Jersey producers may face competitive disadvantages if neighboring states lack similar requirements, potentially pushing costs to NJ consumers specifically

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

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