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Bill > S676
NJ S676
NJ S676Requires filtration system to capture microfibers and microplastics on washing machines sold on or after January 1, 2030.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits the sale or offer for sale, on or after January 1, 2030, of a new washing machine for residential, commercial, or State use unless the washing machine: (1) contains a microfiber filtration system with a mesh size of not greater than 100 micrometers; and (2) bears a conspicuous label that is visible to the consumer, in the form of a sticker or any other label type, that includes the following statement: "NOTICE: THIS WASHING MACHINE CONTAINS A FILTER TO CAPTURE MICROFIBERS. CHECK THE FILTER REGULARLY AND DISPOSE OF CAPTURED LINT IN A WASTE BIN." The bill also establishes a civil penalty for violations of the bill's provisions of up to $10,000 for a first violation, and up to $30,000 for each subsequent violation, to be collected by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in a civil action by a summary proceeding under the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999." Finally, the bill authorizes the DEP to adopt regulations necessary to implement the bill's provisions.
AI Summary
This bill requires that starting January 1, 2030, any new washing machine sold for home, business, or government use must include a built-in or attachable filtration system designed to capture microfibers, which are tiny plastic threads shed from clothing during washing, and microplastics, which are plastic pieces five millimeters or less in size. These filters must have a mesh size no larger than 100 micrometers to effectively trap these pollutants before they enter the wastewater system. Additionally, these washing machines must have a clear label informing consumers that the machine has a filter to capture microfibers and instructing them to check and clean it regularly, disposing of the lint in a trash bin. The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will be responsible for enforcing these rules and can impose civil penalties of up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $30,000 for subsequent violations, and the DEP is also authorized to create any necessary regulations to implement this law.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Environment and Energy Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S676 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/676_I1.HTM |
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