New Jersey packaging EPR bill: A3744/S673 status and proposed producer requirements.

What is the status of New Jersey’s EPR bill in 2026?

The New Jersey Legislature lists A3744 as introduced January 13, 2026 and referred to the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee. The identical Senate bill, S673, was introduced the same day and referred to the Senate Environment and Energy Committee.

What would New Jersey’s Packaging and Paper Product Stewardship Act do?

The introduced bill would require producers of packaging and paper products to join a producer responsibility organization or independently develop and implement a product stewardship plan. The bill would initially allow one PRO and would require covered producers to join a PRO one year after enactment unless they choose the independent pathway.

Who would count as a producer?

A3744 includes a producer-determination framework based on the manufacturer, brand or trademark owner/licensee, importer and other facts. The bill also defines a small producer category that includes several exemption pathways, including certain low-revenue and low-volume producers.

What source-reduction targets are proposed?

The introduced bill proposes staged reductions in single-use plastic packaging measured against a baseline. The schedule would reduce the amount to 90% of baseline two years after plan approval, 80% after four years, 70% after six years, 60% after eight years and 50% after ten years. The bill would also require that part of the reduction come from reuse/refill shifts or eliminating plastic components.

The introduced text further proposes that packaging products be recyclable or compostable beginning January 1, 2034 and reach a 65% recycling rate beginning January 1, 2036. Those dates and targets are not current law unless the Legislature enacts them.

Why New Jersey matters to multi-entity companies

Official New Jersey bill sources

Related EPR resources