NJ A4902

Department of Environmental Protection must select a qualified consultant by January 15, 2026 to conduct a Statewide recycling needs assessment examining recycling, composting, and reuse conditions for packaging materials including paper, plastic, glass, and metal

Assessment must evaluate current recycling rates by material type, processing infrastructure capacity, system-wide costs, postconsumer recycled content use, and identify gaps needed to achieve optimal recycling goals by December 31, 2035

Establishes a Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment Advisory Council with approximately 28 members representing MRFs, haulers, local governments, retailers, environmental groups, environmental justice organizations, and manufacturers to guide the assessment and recommend producer responsibility program legislation

Advisory council must submit findings and legislative recommendations by December 1, 2026; consultant must deliver final needs assessment to DEP by May 1, 2027, with department report to Governor and Legislature due by June 1, 2027

Appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to implement the act, with exemptions for packaging of federally regulated drugs, medical devices, dietary supplements, animal biologics, and pesticides