ISRI Plastics Division chair testifies in support of recycled-content legislation

A representative of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), Washington, testified before the New Jersey Senate Environment and Energy Committee Sept. 17 in support of proposed legislation, S2515, designed to expand the use of recycled plastics.

ISRI Plastics Division Chair Sunil Bagaria of New Jersey-based GDB International supported the intent of the bill, saying it is imperative that all plastics be handled responsibly at end of life and using recycled plastic to manufacture new products is environmentally responsible and strengthens the economy by creating jobs and investment opportunities. However, he expressed concern with certain aspects of the proposed legislation, requesting clarification on certain draft amendments that were circulated prior to the hearing.

Bagaria said parts of the proposed legislation and the draft amendments “present some concern for which I ask the sponsor and this committee to consider in order to ensure that the legislation's intent is fully realized.”

According to Bagaria’s testimony, these concerns include:

• Manufacturer Exemption: In the draft amendments, an exemption is added to the definition of "manufacturer" for an establishment that produces, packages and sells a product directly to a consumer at retail.
• Reusable Plastic Film Carryout Bags: Unlike other products, there is no set definition for a reusable plastic film carryout bag, and no threshold set for the thickness of a bag subject to the requirements.
• Rigid Plastic Containers: Since rigid plastic containers are utilized in many different ways, including nonfood applications, they could easily have the same recycled content requirements as beverage containers.
• Plastic Trash Bags: The current 10 percent recycled content requirement could be raised because the product can easily incorporate more recycled content while maintaining the structural integrity of the product.
• Manufacturer Waivers: In Section 8.a., the draft amendment refers to "other anomalous market conditions."

Bagaria said, “If the points outlined above are addressed, I am confident that S2515 will help spur the demand for recycled plastics, keep and increase jobs, wages and overall economic impact in New Jersey.”

The full text of Bagaria’s comments can be found here.