The battle continues to find a way to reduce the amount of trash from plastics and their impact on New York’s environment and health. The group Beyond Plastics is backing a legislative proposal that could make a dent in the waste.
Organizing Director Alexis Smith said in the past, state lawmakers pledged to follow science, which should favor the bill’s passage.
"The science is definitely clear that we are ingesting microplastics and toxic chemicals from our packaging. The science is clear that microplastic and plastic pollution are a huge threat to the climate, water quality, public health, wildlife, you name it,” Smith said.
Smith explained the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S1464/A1749) would go after the biggest source of pollution, the plastic bags, padding and film around many food and other products. It includes the plastic used in the increasing avalanche of home deliveries.
She argued individuals shouldn’t have to try and find ways around creating plastic trash, most of which is not recyclable. The bill would put that responsibility on the shipper and producer, “…forcing the companies, who are creating the problems in the first place, to reduce their plastic, reduce their toxic chemicals, take responsibility for ensuring that their packaging can be recycled and pay for it."
The idea of ‘producer responsibility’ works in other areas, for example paint manufacturers and battery makers have to take care of their waste.
The packaging bill would mandate fees to expand recycling, or push companies to reduce their plastic packaging. It would also ban certain chemicals used in plastic manufacturing.
Some business groups say the bill goes too far and could raise prices on goods. Industry groups are backing a scaled-down bill that would require a smaller reduction in packaging and plastic use.
Smith noted big companies, such as Amazon, McDonald’s and Coca Cola are fighting the measure because they don’t want to change.
Overview of The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S1464/A1749). Key provisions of the act include:
- Producer Responsibility: Companies that sell or distribute packaging must develop a packaging reduction and recycling plan, approved by the state.
- Waste Reduction Goals: Targets include a 30% reduction in plastic packaging over 12 years, a 75% recycling rate for all packaging materials by 2052.
- Prohibition of Harmful Materials: The legislation prohibits the use of certain toxic chemicals in packaging, including PFAS, PVC, lead, and mercury, and excludes chemical recycling processes.
- Funding Mechanism: Producers would pay a fee to help finance recycling operations and local waste management services, based on their packaging materials.
- Education and Outreach: The act mandates programs to inform consumers about proper disposal and recycling practices for covered products.
The Packaging bill passed the State Senate last year, and is the subject of increased lobbying this session in Albany.
