As Earth Month 2025 came to a close, government officials, industry leaders, clean energy advocates and circular economy professionals gathered to celebrate a game-changing milestone: the grand opening of New Jersey’s first dedicated solar panel recycling facility.
Hosted by Commercial Solar Panel Recycling (CSPR), the April 29th ribbon-cutting on April 29 wasn't just symbolic—it put a stake in the ground for circular, sustainable in the Northeast.
A First for New Jersey—and the Nation
Housed in a historic ribbon factory in Phillipsburg’s Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ), CSPR’s headquarters is the first facility in New Jersey specifically built to recycle decommissioned, underperforming and broken photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
With New Jersey continuing to lead the way in solar adoption, finding long-term solutions for solar panel waste is more urgent than ever. CSPR’s Phillipsburg facility anchors the company’s growing national network, which includes sites in Canajoharie, NY and Atwater, CA.
Why Solar Panel Recycling Matters
As solar panels reach the end of their 25–30 year lifespan and as severe weather destroys functioning residential and commercial PV projects, the industry faces a new challenge: solar waste. Without responsible recycling solutions, aging or damaged panels risk ending up in landfills—undermining the very environmental goals they were created to achieve.
CSPR’s mission is clear: zero landfill, maximum recovery. And in 2024, the company received the first-ever Research, Development, and Demonstration (RD&D) permit from the NJDEP—a major regulatory milestone that paves the way for smart, scalable recycling solutions.
Private Enterprise and Innovation Meet Regulation: A Two-Year Journey
The road to opening wasn’t short. It took more than two years of planning, advocacy, and regulatory work to bring the facility online. Guy Watson and Shawn LaTourette, NJDEP Commissioner, were recognized for their pivotal roles in guiding the RD&D permit process, and attendee Janine MacGregor, NJDEP Director of Sustainability summed it up perfectly at the ribbon-cutting event:
“Today is a testament to what happens when innovation, environmental protection, and practical solutions come together,” she said. “The department is very proud to celebrate the launch of CSPR’s Phillipsburg facility. Thank you for ensuring that these materials are recycled and handled responsibly.”
A Full-Circle Solution—With Full Community Support
Co-sponsored by the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ) and emceed by CIANJ President Anthony Russo, CSPR’s ribbon cutting drew more than 100 attendees from the region. In addition to MacGregor, speakers included State Assemblyman Erik Peterson and Phillipsburg Mayor Randy Piazza, Jr. A representative from Senator Andy Kim’s office, New York SEIA, Mid-Atlantic Solar and Storage Industries Association (MSSIA), the NJ Clean Communities Council, PSE&G, and Rutgers University were also in attendance.
There was a strong local showing too, including Phillipsburg Council Members Lee Clark and Keith Kennedy, representatives from Warren County Commissioners, Phillipsburg UEZ and more—a reflection of the community’s support for sustainable innovation and job creation.
Tours showcased CSPR’s innovative, closed-loop process, including:
- Deframing: Aluminum frames are separated and sent to aluminum manufacturers.
- Component Recovery: J-boxes and wiring are removed manually or mechanically and sent to R2v3 recyclers.
- Glass Processing: Frameless panels are crushed into cullet, while back sheets are separated for reuse.
CSPR’s development partner, Ruby Glass, demonstrated how the crushed and separated glass and backsheets are repurposed into new products used in construction, wayfinding, landscaping, and more.
Turning Policy into Practice (and Keeping the Momentum)
New Jersey has been laying the groundwork for this kind of initiative. A few years ago, state legislators passed legislation law to study solar panel end-of-life management, ultimately leading to the 2023 release of a report with practical solutions—chief among them, maximizing legitimate recycling and reuse.
CSPR’s Phillipsburg facility brings that vision to life.
“The turnout demonstrated that the time is now for solar panel-specific recycling solutions,” said Glenn Laga, CSPR’s President and Co-Founder. “Thanks to NJDEP’s forward-thinking approach, we are proud to be the first to demonstrate what’s possible in PV recycling in New Jersey.”
Peter Goldenberg, CSPR Co-Founder, added: “The energy at the event was palpable. People are increasingly aware of the solar e-waste challenge—and more importantly, they’re excited about the solution CSPR provides.”
Solar Panel Recycling is just the first step for a growing solid waste problem
With the ribbon officially cut, New Jersey is now home to a first-of-its-kind solar panel recycling plant—and it’s just the beginning. The next step—responsible end-of-life management—is critical.
“The NJDEP’s RD&D certification for solar panel recycling marks a critical step in advancing long-term solutions outlined in my newly introduced New Jersey Senate Bill 3399, which mandates end-of-life recycling for solar and photovoltaic energy facilities and structures. This milestone and CSPR’s initiative as the first solar panel recycling operation in New Jersey are an exciting start toward a greener, more sustainable future,” affirmed New Jersey State Senator Bob Smith, a key supporter of renewable energy initiatives in New Jersey.
CIANJ President Anthony Russo echoed the sentiment. ““There’s no reason to delay. Over 95% of a solar panel is recyclable, and no other state has a PV recycling solution like this—blending private innovation, industry need, and bipartisan regulatory support.”
A Brighter, Cleaner Future Starts in Phillipsburg
New Jersey’s first commercial solar panel recycling facility isn’t just a state achievement—it’s a national model. CSPR’s launch proves that innovation, environmental responsibility, and economic growth can go hand in hand.
As solar power expands across the U.S., New Jersey now leads the charge in showing what’s possible when clean energy comes full circle.
Learn more and discover how CSPR is giving solar panels a second life by contacting us.