Bill > S1576

This bill establishes a voluntary farm pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer collection and disposal program within the Department of Agriculture. The program will create collection sites in northern, central, and southern regions of New Jersey, offering one collection event per year on a rotating basis. Commercial farms can voluntarily participate in the program, which will collect and dispose of unused agricultural chemicals and their containers. The Department of Agriculture will contract with qualified entities to safely collect, transport, and dispose of or recycle these materials, with a maximum annual limit of 2,000 pounds per participating farm. The department will also appoint local agents to inventory collected materials and will prepare an annual report detailing program operations, including the quantity and types of materials collected, participation levels, expenditures, environmental benefits, and recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the department will conduct a public education campaign to inform farmers about the program's locations, dates, accepted materials, and environmental benefits. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to implement the program and will take effect 180 days after enactment.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S1576