NJ S3831

New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection must establish a rebate program within one year for residents purchasing microfiber washing machine filters or replacement filters to reduce microplastic pollution in waterways.

Rebates are one-time payments capped at the lesser of the filter's cost or $100, available to residents who purchase eligible filters and submit a complete application.

$2.5 million is appropriated from the General Fund to fund the rebate program.

DEP must submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature starting two years after enactment, detailing program effectiveness, number of rebates issued, total spending, remaining funds, and recommendations for improvement.

Microfiber filters attach to washing machines to capture plastic microfibers from synthetic clothing before wastewater enters septic or public sewage systems, with some manufacturers reporting up to 90% microfiber capture rates.