Garden State Times

TRENTON, N.J. – At Monday’s joint hearing of the Senate and Assembly Environment Committee, expert witnesses shared insights on tackling plastics pollution, with a focus on recycling strategies.

During the hearing, Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics and a former EPA regional administrator under President Obama, expressed her views on the effectiveness of plastics recycling. Enck bluntly stated, “We have tried plastics recycling for decades and it just doesn’t work.” When asked by Assemblyman Michael Inganamort if there is a possibility for successful plastic recycling in New Jersey, Enck responded negatively, saying, "Enck responded no."

Assemblyman Michael Inganamort, representing Morris, emphasized the importance of environmental responsibility, especially on Earth Day. He urged New Jerseyans to adhere to the principles of “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” Inganamort highlighted the significance of these strategies in combating pollution, including plastic waste. He cautioned against giving up on plastic recycling due to its challenges and advocated for maximizing the reuse of existing plastics. Inganamort stated, “If we give up on recycling plastic because it is hard, and instead ban more consumer products, we’re not sustainably solving the problem in the short- or long-term." He also emphasized New Jersey's potential as the Innovation State, urging the state to explore innovative ways to reuse plastics.

The discussion at the hearing underscored the ongoing efforts and challenges in addressing plastics pollution, with differing perspectives on the efficacy of recycling. As New Jersey continues to navigate environmental concerns, the call to prioritize sustainability and responsible consumption remains at the forefront of the conversation.