NJ Assembly To Vote On Packaging Legislation: Extended Producer Responsibility Program

On Thursday, May 8, the New Jersey Assembly Environment, Natural Resources and Solid Waste Committee will consider legislation to create an "Extended Producer Responsibility Program." Assembly Bill 5009, known as the Packaging Product Stewardship Act, would require certain manufacturers and distributors of products that utilize "packaging materials," broadly defined, to implement plans to decrease the amount of packaging included with their products. This legislation is intended to reduce the amount of solid waste distributed within the state, but it is widely considered by the regulated industryto be more burdensome and inconsistent with other similarly-intended laws around the country. Concerned manufacturers are encouraged to review this legislation and its Senate counterpart, Senate Bill 3398, consider its impact on their business, and engage in ongoing efforts to oppose this effort.