TRENTON – The State Commission of Investigation has released a report concluding that New Jersey’s commercial solid waste industry remains as vulnerable to abuse and corruption by criminal elements now as two decades ago.
The SCI report urges the program established to keep the waste industry honest be expanded to include scrutiny of those involved in recycling as well as garbage, and that authority over this enhanced process be consolidated with the Attorney General’s office.
“That the Commission today must repeat some of the same general findings and recommendations is a testament to the price of warnings ignored, opportunities lost, and legislative intent undermined,’’ the SCI report summary stated.
The report said a particular concern is the recycling and disposal of contaminated soil and demolition debris that pose serious health risks.
“The ability of mob-affiliated entrepreneurs to continue profiting from the system even after they have been unmasked reflects a fundamental flaw and not merely some anomalous bureaucratic snafu,’’ the report states.
Earlier story:
Waste management financial disclosure bill raises issues of transparency
Four vetoes, but Lesniak’s waste management bill gets through Christie’s net
