New Jersey's proposed bill, set to be discussed in the state Legislature, would require all packaging materials used in the state to be recyclable or compostable by 2034, aiming to drastically reduce plastic waste that currently contributes to 28% of municipal landfills. This legislative move seeks to hold manufacturers accountable for the environmental impact of their packaging, reflecting a growing trend across several states in the U.S. towards sustainable waste management practices.
Doug O'Malley, director of Environment New Jersey, stated, 'Our waterways are literally swimming in plastics. We can't recycle our way out of this crisis.' This highlights the urgency of addressing plastic waste, emphasizing that recycling alone is insufficient to resolve the broader environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution.
The bill would impose fees on manufacturers and distributors, creating a $120 million fund intended to bolster recycling efforts and significantly reduce the overall solid waste produced in New Jersey. It aims to shift financial responsibility from taxpayers to producers, promoting accountability for packaging waste and its environmental consequences.
Ray Cantor from the New Jersey Business and Industry Association opposed the bill, calling it 'unrealistic' and 'not workable.' He emphasized that businesses are already committed to minimizing packing materials and increasing recyclability, suggesting the bill may overlook existing efforts and advancements in sustainable packaging.
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