TRENTON, N.J. – The New Jersey Senate has approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Corrado that would encourage schools to repurpose plastic waste into durable classroom materials while reducing environmental pollution.
The bill, S-1441, establishes a plastic upcycling grant program for public and private schools, providing funding based on the amount of plastic collected and recycled. At least 80 percent of each grant must be used to purchase long-lasting furnishings or supplies made from upcycled plastic through authorized vendors, with the remainder covering administrative expenses.
Corrado said the initiative was designed to address plastic waste in a practical and educational way, turning environmental responsibility into a classroom opportunity. “Far too many plastics find their way into our waterways and even our food because we simply throw them away,” Corrado said. “This bill rewards schools that upcycle and turn plastic waste into practical, lasting resources. It’s a commonsense way to give our students more tools while protecting our environment.”
Schools participating in the program would be required to submit reports detailing how grant funds are spent, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Lawmakers said the measure reflects a growing effort to combine sustainability with education, helping students see firsthand how recycling can produce tangible community benefits.
Senator Kristin Corrado’s bipartisan bill creating a plastic upcycling grant program for schools wins Senate approval to promote recycling and sustainability in classrooms.