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New Jersey Senator Bob Smith has recently introduced a substitute bill for S2578, the "Preservation of Landfill Space Act."

Under the substituted proposal, every (empty or unused) rigid plastic packaging container manufactured, sold or offered for sale in New Jersey will be required to be composed of at least 25% recycled content by January 1, 2006.  The bill also requires that by January 1, 2011 rigid plastic packaging needs to be composed of 30% recycled content and 35% by January 1, 2016. 

Plastic beverage containers and personal care products, which were not included in the original bill, were added.  They will be required to have a 10% recycled content rate by January 1, 2006 and then up to 15% by January 1, 2011. 

In order to understand plastics recycling it is important to recognize certain factors that impact the recycling of plastics. These factors include supply/volume, contamination, technological barriers and economical sustainable recycling.

Substitute SB 2578 has no basis in, nor does it recognize, polymeric science, the limits of technological feasibility or current economic market reality.

This legislation would have a negative impact on the NJ economy by leading to higher consumer costs and putting New Jersey companies at a disadvantage resulting in manufacturing companies leaving the State and residents losing jobs.

Let your State Senator and the Senate Environment Committee know how this legislation will affect you and your company.  Please tailor the letter below to tell your personal story.