Bill > A5357

This bill establishes a voluntary farm pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer collection and disposal program administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in consultation with the Department of Agriculture. The program will create collection sites in northern, central, and southern regions of the state, offering at least two collection events per year, where commercial farms can voluntarily dispose of unused pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and their containers. The department will contract with qualified entities to safely collect, transport, and dispose of or recycle these materials, and will appoint local agents to inventory and track the collected items. The bill requires an annual report to the Governor and Legislature detailing the program's operations, including the quantity and types of materials collected, participation levels, expenditures, environmental benefits, and recommendations for improvement. Additionally, the Department of Agriculture will conduct a public education campaign to inform farmers about collection sites, event dates, accepted materials, and the environmental benefits of proper disposal. The program will be implemented 180 days after enactment, with administrative preparations allowed to begin immediately, and will comply with existing pesticide control regulations.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5357