Overview
- The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act would cover companies with more than $5 million in income and require cuts to harmful or single‑use packaging, with fees for missing targets directed to recycling programs.
- The bill sets phased goals to cut non‑green packaging by 10% in three years and 30% in 12 years, raise reusable shares to 5% by 2032, 10% by 2040, and 20% by 2055, and lift recyclable shares to 25%, 50%, and 75% on those same dates.
- Sponsors Deborah Glick and Peter Harckham say they made about 150 amendments that push back some compliance deadlines after industry input, and they are working with Governor Kathy Hochul on the timelines.
- Packaging makers and supermarkets warn the rules would effectively end plastic film that keeps toilet paper, paper towels, and diapers dry, which they say would damage goods and raise prices for families, especially in working‑class neighborhoods.
- Environmental groups and the state Association of Counties back the measure to ease landfill strain and move costs off taxpayers, while a similar bill passed the Senate last year but stalled in the Assembly and several states already run related programs.