SENATE ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 4526

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 12, 2025

      The Senate Environment and Energy Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 4526.

      This bill would prohibit the owner or operator of a scrap processing facility from storing or processing automotive shredder residue without first obtaining a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection.  The bill would require the department to establish a permitting program to establish appropriate limits, on the volume, height, and length of time automotive shredder residue may be stored at a facility, taking into consideration the hazardous and flammable nature of automotive shredder residue, as well as prohibitions on the storage of automotive shredder residue in close proximity to residential structures and critical infrastructure.  The bill would require each scrap processing facility that stores automotive shredder residue to conform to the limits and prohibitions established by the department pursuant to a permit issued under the bill. The bill would also amend the "Solid Waste Management Act," P.L.1970, c.39 (C.13:1E-1 et seq.) to define "hazardous waste" and would include automotive shredder residue in the definition.  The bill would also define "automotive shredder residue" (ASR) as the nonrecyclable residue that is generated as a direct result of processing automobiles, appliances, sheet steel, and other ferrous and nonferrous scrap metals through a hammermill shredder for purposes of recycling.  In including ASR in the definition of hazardous waste, the bill would make persons who transport, store, or process ASR subject to the same rules and regulations that apply to persons who transport, store, or process other hazardous wastes under the "Solid Waste Management Act."  The bill would take effect one year after enactment.