New Jersey's Recycled Content Law (P.L. 2021, c. 391)
This Act establishes postconsumer recycled content requirements for rigid plastic containers, glass containers, paper and plastic carryout
bags, and plastic trash bags; prohibits sale of polystyrene loose fill packaging.
On January 18th, 2022, Governor Murphy signed S2515 becoming P.L. 2021, c. 391. The Law is intended to stimulate recycling markets by requiring manufacturers
to meet minimum recycled content standards for covered products sold or offered for sale in the State. By requiring manufacturers to utilize postconsumer
recycled content, markets for such materials are enhanced as demand shifts from virgin to recycled sources. Recycling relies heavily on supply and demand to
keep the industry afloat. As oil prices decrease so do prices for virgin plastic which subsequently decrease the demand for recycled materials. Requiring
manufacturers to meet minimum recycled content requirements helps to stabilize markets, increase the resiliency of the recycling industry when oil prices
fluctuate, and shield municipal recycling programs from the volatility of the cost to recycle.
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