TRENTON, N.J. – The Assembly Environment Committee advanced the bill (A1514) Monday, sponsored by Assemblyman Kevin J. Rooney, to re-invigorate recycling efforts by state government.
New Jersey’s recycling rate is still below the state’s goal set by the Legislature in 1992 to reduce waste by 50 percent.
“Recycling is second nature for the majority of families, schools and businesses,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “The state should be leading by example, but we are not. At the very least, we should be increasing the number of recycling bins in the statehouse. All state agencies must step up and start doing their part.”
The bill requires all state offices, colleges and universities to recycle and provide bins for cans, plastic bottles, paper, cardboard and glass.
“Recycling has a positive impact on the air, water and land,” said Rooney. “The benefit to the environment cannot be overstated. For every ton of municipal solid waste that is recycled, more than 1.5 metric tons of greenhouse gas is avoided.”
The use of recycled material feedstocks conserves natural resources. Recycling one ton of paper saves trees, 3.3 cubic yards of landfill space and 7,000 gallons of water. Over a ton of natural resources are saved for every ton of glass recycled, according to the DEP.