New Jersey targets plastic waste that is choking landfills
- New Jersey is working on a bill requiring all packaging materials to be recyclable or compostable by 2034.
- The legislation aims to shift waste management costs from taxpayers to producers, with a focus on reducing single-use packaging.
- If passed, this would position New Jersey as a leader in combating plastic pollution, following similar measures in other states.
New Jersey is actively attempting to address the issue of plastic waste, particularly from packaging materials, by proposing a new bill. This initiative, discussed in the state Legislature, aims to ensure that all packaging materials used in the state are recyclable or compostable by the year 2034. The emphasis is on shifting the financial burden of waste management from taxpayers to producers, promoting more sustainable practices in packaging. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has indicated that containers and packaging account for approximately 28% of municipal waste that ends up in landfills across the United States. Environmental groups support the bill, claiming it could significantly mitigate pollution, especially given the crisis of plastic pollution affecting waterways. However, the bill has drawn criticism from business groups, who argue that it is unrealistic and disregards decades of progress in recycling within New Jersey. These groups contend that the proposed measures could inhibit technological advancements in recycling, specifically the controversial advanced recycling processes that break plastics down into reusable base chemicals. Proponents argue that these technologies could provide a promising solution to the current plastic waste crisis, while opponents warn of potential environmental hazards associated with toxic releases from these processes. Under the proposed legislation, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection would evaluate the recycling market to determine the necessary upgrades for handling packaging waste more efficiently. By 2032, the legislation calls for a 25% reduction in single-use packaging, with at least 10% achieved by transitioning to reusable products. Additionally, by 2036, the recycling rate for packaging products is aimed to reach a minimum of 65%, demonstrating New Jersey's commitment to combatting plastic pollution aggressively. As other states like California, Colorado, and Maine have enacted similar laws, New Jersey seeks to set a leading example in the nation which could inspire broader action against plastic waste on a global scale.