New Jersey Senate Bill S4010

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/26/23
• Refer: 6/26/23

Caption

Establishes School Plastics Upcycling Grant Program in DEP to provide proportional awards to eligible schools based on pro rata share of plastics collected, by each school, for upcycling purposes; appropriates $5 million.

Impact

The impact of S4010 on state laws includes a formal mechanism for schools to receive funding based on their environmental contributions. Each participating school will be required to donate collected plastics to authorized facilities, thereby ensuring that these materials are directed towards meaningful recycling efforts. The program not only supports educational institutions financially but also aligns with New Jersey’s broader environmental goals by encouraging schools to implement sustainable practices. Schools will receive grants based on their pro rata share of plastics collected, which ensures equitable distribution of funding. Additionally, a minimum grant award is guaranteed to facilitate the purchase of school furniture made from upcycled plastics, thereby fostering a cycle of sustainability within educational environments.

Summary

S4010, also known as the School Plastics Upcycling Grant Program, aims to promote and facilitate the collection of plastics in schools across New Jersey. The bill authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to establish a grant program that allocates $5 million from the General Fund to support schools engaged in plastic collection initiatives. By tying funding to the quantity of plastics a school collects, the program incentivizes schools to actively participate in environmental sustainability efforts while allowing them to receive grants for acquiring school-appropriate furnishings made from upcycled materials. This initiative is set to run for an initial pilot period of three years, with potential extensions based on available funding and performance assessments by the DEP commissioner.

Contention

Although S4010 promotes a positive initiative, its implementation might face certain challenges. One notable point of contention revolves around the eligibility and effectiveness of the authorized upcyclers. The bill mandates the DEP to maintain a list of approved upcycling entities, which raises questions about the selection criteria and the quality of service these upcyclers can provide. Additionally, concerns might arise regarding the ability of schools to collect sufficient plastics to qualify for the maximum grant amounts. Furthermore, discussions about the use of administrative costs within the grant allocations could lead to debates over the ideal split between direct funding for upcycling and operational expenses. Such points may need addressing to ensure the program’s transparency and effectiveness.