Albany, NY – Legislation designed to combat rising waste and plastic pollution in New York has taken a major step forward, with the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) advancing in both the State Senate and Assembly.
The bill (S.1464/A.1749), sponsored by Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Deborah Glick, aims to reduce packaging waste, enhance recycling infrastructure, and shift financial responsibility from taxpayers to large corporations that generate excessive packaging. If passed, the legislation will require companies to cut packaging by 10% within three years and by 30% within 12 years, improve recyclability, and eliminate toxic materials like PFAS and lead from packaging.
Harckham, who chairs the Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee, highlighted the urgent need to address New York’s waste crisis, warning that landfills across the state could reach capacity within 15 years.
“This is a crucial step toward addressing the growing environmental challenges posed by waste and plastic pollution,” said Harckham. “This bill represents the strongest Extended Producer Responsibility framework in the nation. It will reduce waste, plastics, and toxins, contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment.”
Glick, chair of the Assembly’s Environmental Conservation Committee, emphasized the impact the legislation would have on municipalities, which bear the burden of collecting, sorting, and processing waste.
“New Yorkers are paying the price for excessive, toxic packaging while corporations avoid responsibility,” said Glick. “Municipalities deserve relief, and New Yorkers deserve a clean, safe environment.”
Shifting the Burden from Taxpayers to Producers
Under PRRIA, companies with over $5 million in annual revenue and more than two tons of annual packaging waste will be required to fund local recycling programs and meet strict post-consumer recycled content standards.
The bill also requires that:
- Glass packaging contain 35% recycled material
- Paper bags contain 40% recycled content
- Plastic bags contain 20% recycled content
Support from Environmental and Advocacy Groups
The bill has received strong support from environmental advocates, local governments, and consumer rights organizations, all of whom say PRRIA is crucial to tackling New York’s growing waste crisis.
- Judith Enck, President of Beyond Plastics, stressed that taxpayers should not have to subsidize the cost of waste management.“Nobody voted for more plastic, yet taxpayers are forced to spend hundreds of millions every year dealing with waste and the health issues associated with it,” Enck said.
- Adreinne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, called the bill a “pivotal step” in making corporations accountable.“Municipalities and taxpayers have borne the financial burden for too long. PRRIA will significantly reduce packaging waste, promote sustainable designs, and make recycling easier.”
- Stephen J. Acquario, Executive Director of the NYS Association of Counties, said PRRIA would help local governments cut costs and increase recycling rates.“New York’s outdated waste system is overwhelmed with non-recyclable materials. This legislation shifts the responsibility to the producers, where it belongs.”
- Pat McClellan, Director of Policy for the New York League of Conservation Voters, called for swift action.“To reach our zero-waste goals, we must create a circular economy that prioritizes recycling and reduces packaging waste. The time to act is now.”
The bill successfully passed the State Senate in 2024 but did not advance in the Assembly before the end of the session. With renewed momentum, Harckham and Glick hope to bring the legislation to a full vote in both houses this session.
“We cannot delay any longer,” said Harckham. “This is about creating a more sustainable future for New York.”
The final decision now lies with state lawmakers, who will determine whether New York becomes a national leader in waste reduction, corporate accountability, and recycling reform.