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Bill

Bill

A 1816

Prohibits manufacture, sale, or promotion of consumer products containing microbeads.

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

New Jersey bill prohibits manufacturing, selling, and promoting consumer products with microbeads to reduce plastic pollution in waterways and marine ecosystems.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 1816

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 1816 would prohibit the manufacturing, sale, and promotion of consumer products containing microbeads in New Jersey. Microbeads are tiny plastic particles found in personal care items like cosmetics, soaps, and toothpastes that are designed to exfoliate skin. The bill aims to prevent these plastic particles from entering waterways and the environment.

Why is this important

Microbeads wash down drains during use and accumulate in aquatic ecosystems, where they persist indefinitely and can be ingested by marine life and potentially enter the human food chain. Several states and the federal government have already enacted microbead bans, making this a growing environmental and public health concern. New Jersey's waterways and coastal ecosystems would benefit from eliminating this source of plastic pollution.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance costs: Manufacturers would need to reformulate products and replace microbeads with alternative exfoliants, which could increase production expenses and consumer prices
  • Scope and enforcement: Defining what constitutes "promotion" of microbead products could create ambiguity in enforcement, and clarifying which products fall under the ban may require additional regulatory guidance
  • Economic impact on businesses: Companies with existing microbead product inventories may face losses, and some cosmetic manufacturers may argue the federal ban (already in effect since 2015) makes state legislation redundant

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

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