“Smart, common-sense policies can boost recycling in N.J.”

“Smart, common-sense policies can boost recycling in N.J.

If you care about New Jersey’s environment, there’s no reason to be down in the dumps. Though it doesn’t capture enough headlines, an underrated effort is underway in state capitols across the country to boost recycling and implement innovative policies that responsibly address the everyday items that end up in landfills or incinerators. New Jerseyans should be paying attention.

Regulatory frameworks being adopted by other states that implement carefully designed Extended Producer Responsibility laws are an opportunity our state can model to vastly expand the types of materials that we can reuse, building a stronger circular economy and preserving our environment for future generations.

New Jersey has a strong culture of recycling and is among the leading states nationally in rates of recycling. Still, over 60% of the things we throw away mostly end up in the garbage heap. Though times have changed, we are still largely working under the same process, rules and assumptions for recycling put in place decades ago.

A carefully designed EPR measure can provide a holistic approach to incentivize recycling that benefits the environment, economy and public health. EPR guidelines shift more of the responsibility for recycling onto the producers who make these items and can promote greater innovation and accountability. Producers are the experts in the products they make and can be essential stakeholders in finding new, innovative uses for their raw materials. Industries can bring additional resources and support regional and municipal governments in building recycling systems that keep up with the needs of the 21st century.”

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