New Jersey Assembly Bill A1759

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Exempts certain plastic materials processed at advanced plastic processing facilities from State laws regulating solid waste disposal and recycling.

Impact

If enacted, A1759 would significantly amend existing regulations under the Solid Waste Management Act. The bill specifies that certain plastic materials transported to and processed in designated facilities will no longer be classified as solid waste. This would change the regulatory landscape for waste management, potentially encouraging investment in advanced plastic processing technologies while ensuring compliance with broader federal and state environmental laws.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1759 is a legislative act aimed at regulating plastic processing facilities in New Jersey. The bill proposes to exempt specific plastic materials that are processed at advanced plastic processing facilities from state laws governing solid waste disposal and recycling. It defines 'advanced plastic processing' as the transformation of plastic waste into usable products, using various chemical processes. The intent is to streamline the processing of plastics, which could offer a method to manage plastic waste more efficiently.

Contention

Despite the bill's potential benefits, it has sparked contention among environmental groups and advocates who are concerned about the implications of such exemptions for environmental protection. Critics worry that by exempting advanced plastic processing from solid waste regulations, there could be a rise in pollution and an adverse impact on public health, and that the state’s regulatory authority over waste disposal could be undermined. The bill, therefore, balances economic interests with environmental concerns, presenting an ongoing debate about the best approach to managing plastic waste.