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(Washington, DC) – The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) today testified before the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee in support of proposed legislation that expands and increases the use of recycled plastics. The bill is a proposed Senate Committee Substitute for Senate No. 2515, for which ReMA also testified in support of.

ISRI Plastics Division Chair Sunil Bagaria and Secretary Eadaoin Quinn offered support of the bill and emphasized the necessity that all plastics be handled responsibly at end of life, and that using recycled plastic as a feedstock to manufacture new products is an environmentally responsible activity that also strengthens the economy by creating jobs and investment opportunities.

Excerpts from ISRI’s comments follow (full comments here)

... ISRI is pleased to support S2515, and assist New Jersey in leading the nation in the race to incorporate recycled content in plastic packaging, especially plastic postconsumer recycled (PCR) content, by increasing demand for PCR through the development of strong domestic end markets for recycled materials. ...

... ISRI commends the sponsor for changes in the proposed Substitute that reflect concerns over the exemption for manufacturers that produce, package, and sell a product directly to a consumer at retail; the removal of the alternative method of compliance for rigid plastic containers based on their rate of recycling within New Jersey; the addition of phased postconsumer recycled content requirements for rigid plastic containers; and the adjustment of postconsumer recycled content requirements to apply to all plastic carryout bags. ...

... The modifications in the proposed Substitute reflect an awareness and insight into recycling markets and technological manufacturing practices that go into the economics and engineering that make it possible for recycled content to be used in place of virgin materials. ... As such, ReMA suggests there are some aspects of the proposed Substitute for S2515 that was circulated prior to this hearing which could  be further strengthened to ensure that the legislation's intent is fully realized. ...

... Rigid Plastic Containers

Specific Change Recommended: Provide an exemption for food containers from the postconsumer recycled plastic resin requirements for rigid plastic containers (Section 3). ...

Plastic Trash Bags

Specific Change Recommended: There should be a minimum 10% PCR for all plastic trash bags, with no exceptions (Section 2); and a phased percentage increase over time as with plastic beverage containers and rigid plastic containers. ...

Third Party Certification

Specific Change Recommended: The legislation should incorporate a requirement that there be a third party certification for PCR plastic recycled content which complies with industry specific guidelines, such as the Association of Plastic Recyclers Post-Consumer Resin Certification Guidelines. ...

Paper Carryout Bags

Specific Change Recommended:  The specific target for postconsumer recycled content in paper bags should be removed because it is not useful for paper bags. ...

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The Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Inc. (ISRI) is the "Voice of the Recycling Industry™." ReMA represents 1,300 companies in 20 chapters in the U.S. and more than 40 countries that process, broker, and consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics, and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Institute provides education, advocacy, safety and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development. Generating nearly $110 billion annually in U.S. economic activity, the scrap recycling industry provides more than 500,000 Americans with good jobs.