Committee advances McKeon bill to stop illegal dumping

TRENTON, NJ — Following the State Commission of Investigation report from June 2019, a bill sponsored by Assemblyman John McKeon, who represents parts of Essex and Morris counties, to curtail illegal dumping by increasing background checks and oversight of licensure in the solid waste and recycling industries was approved by the Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee on Dec. 9.

“New Jersey has been the site of some of the most egregious environmental crimes,” McKeon said. “We must be more vigilant. Solid waste operators kicked out of New York are showing up in our state because they know they can get away with almost anything and their continued illegal activity poses an incredible threat to our residents. With this legislation, we would strengthen our policing capacity to curb the irreparable harm being caused by chemical runoff and mitigate the adverse effect it is having on our water supply and public health.”

The bill now goes to the Assembly speaker for further review.