New York Senate passes landmark bill to make producers pay for packaging waste

USA – The New York State Senate has passed the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, a transformative bill that shifts the burden of packaging waste management from taxpayers to manufacturers and targets the growing threat of plastic pollution.

Passed by a 33-25 vote, the legislation aims to cut single-use plastic packaging by 30% over 12 years, ban 17 toxic chemicals commonly found in packaging, and establish a new regulatory body to monitor compliance.

The bill now advances to the State Assembly, where it must pass before the legislative session ends in June.

“This is a bold step toward protecting our communities, our ecosystems, and our public health,” said environmental advocates supporting the measure, which has garnered endorsements from over 300 organizations and businesses, including NYPIRG, Environmental Advocates NY, and the League of Women Voters.

The legislation mandates a 30% reduction in plastic packaging waste by the year 2037, with a broader goal of achieving a 75% recycling rate for all packaging materials—including paper, glass, metal, and plastic—by 2052.

This phased approach sets interim benchmarks to ensure steady progress and accountability over time.

In addition, the bill includes a ban on 17 hazardous substances commonly found in packaging. These include PFAS, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), lead, and mercury—all of which have been linked to severe health risks such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as significant environmental degradation.

Crucially, the legislation prohibits the use of chemical recycling as a recognized form of recycling under state law.

Lawmakers cited concerns about its reliance on energy-intensive processes and fossil fuel-derived outputs, which undermine its environmental credibility and sustainability.

At the heart of the legislation is an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework, which compels producers to pay fees to fund recycling infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and waste reduction programs—effectively ending taxpayer-funded packaging waste management.

According to analysis by Beyond Plastics, the bill could save New York taxpayers US$1.3 billion over the next decade by reducing municipal costs tied to landfill and incineration operations.

These savings don’t account for added revenue from producer contributions, suggesting long-term financial and environmental benefits.

The legislation responds to mounting evidence of plastic’s harmful impact. Microplastics have been detected in bottled water, human blood, and vital organs.

Recent studies link them to heart disease, strokes, and premature death, prompting calls for stronger regulatory action.

With global plastic production expected to double in the next 20 years, supporters argue that state-led policies like New York’s could set a precedent for broader reform. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie has signaled that the bill will receive a floor vote in the coming weeks.

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