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Bill

A 5352

Revises minimum percentage of postconsumer recycled content in certain plastic trash bags.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Clinton Calabrese

Raises the minimum postconsumer recycled content in certain plastic trash bags sold in New Jersey to boost use of recycled materials and cut virgin plastic demand.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee
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Bill Summary · A 5352

Bill Summary: A 5352 (NJ, 222nd Session)

Purpose and intent

A 5352 revises the minimum percentage of postconsumer recycled content required in certain plastic trash bags. The bill aims to increase the use of recycled materials in consumer packaging and reduce reliance on virgin plastic, thereby supporting waste diversion and environmental sustainability. The sponsor is included as Co-sponsor Clinton Calabrese.

Key provisions and changes

  • Recycled-content mandate: Establishes or raises the minimum percentage of postconsumer recycled content (PCR) that must be present in specified plastic trash bags. The exact percentage and the scope of bags covered are defined in the bill, with the intent of expanding PCR use in the plastic bag supply chain.
  • Applicability: Targets plastic trash bags sold or distributed within New Jersey. The provision may specify categories (e.g., standard trash bags, compostable-looking bags, or bags used for residential or commercial waste) and may differentiate by bag size or thickness.
  • Compliance timeline: Sets effective dates by which manufacturers and distributors must meet the revised PCR requirements. This typically includes initial compliance deadlines followed by potential phased-in milestones to allow industry adaptation.
  • Enforcement and oversight: Outlines enforcement mechanisms, which may include penalties for noncompliance, reporting requirements, and potential role for a state environmental or regulatory agency to monitor adherence.
  • Administrative rules: May authorize the relevant department to adopt regulations necessary to implement the PCR standard, including definitions, testing methods for PCR content, labeling, and verification processes.
  • Preemption or local impact: Addresses whether the PCR requirement applies uniformly across the state or allows for local variation, and clarifies any preemption of local bag standards if applicable.

Who would be affected

  • Manufacturers and distributors of plastic trash bags: Responsible for ensuring products meet the new PCR content minimums and for maintaining documentation and testing to verify compliance.
  • Retailers and businesses: Sellers of plastic trash bags would need to source products that comply with the updated PCR requirements.
  • Consumers: Potentially benefit from access to recycled-content bags and contribute to higher recycled-material utilization; there may be changes in product labeling and possibly price implications.
  • Regulatory agencies: State departments charged with enforcing the standard, reporting, and rulemaking.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective dates: The bill specifies when the new PCR requirements take effect and any staged timelines for compliance.
  • Rulemaking: Provides authority for the state to issue regulations clarifying definitions (e.g., what counts as postconsumer recycled content), testing standards, labeling, and enforcement procedures.
  • Penalties and remedies: Details potential sanctions for noncompliance and any available avenues for correction or enforcement actions.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Environmental impact: Stronger PCR requirements can reduce demand for virgin plastic, supporting waste reduction and recycling markets.
  • Economic impact: Manufacturers may incur costs to ensure PCR content, test for compliance, and adjust supply chains; retailers and consumers could experience price or product variation.
  • Market dynamics: Could stimulate growth in recycled-plastic supply chains and recycling infrastructure within New Jersey.

Note: Specific percentages, deadlines, and regulatory details are defined in the statutory text of A 5352. The summary above reflects the bill’s general objective and likely areas of impact based on the title and sponsor information.

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

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