“Plastic Packaging Bill Defeated in New York State Assembly: What Happened?”

New York State Legislature Defeats Packaging Reduction and Recycling Bill

In a surprising turn of events, a bill that aimed to revolutionize how single-use plastic waste is managed in New York State was defeated in the State Assembly last week, after passing in the State Senate. The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which included provisions for extended producer responsibility (EPR), was ultimately unsuccessful in the face of fierce opposition from pro-plastic lobbyists.

The bill, which had been in the works for several years, followed a “polluter pays” philosophy, holding companies responsible for managing their packaging waste throughout its lifecycle. Advocates of the bill, such as Beyond Plastics, saw it as a national model that would not only address recycling and waste reduction but also ban some of the most toxic chemicals found in plastic packaging.

While five other states have passed EPR laws for plastic packaging, New York’s bill was considered the most comprehensive. However, the opposition, led by the Business Council of New York State, raised concerns about the bill’s flaws and called for a different approach, pointing to Minnesota’s legislation as a potential model.

Despite some concessions made to address concerns, including a reduction in the target for plastic packaging waste reduction and exemptions for farm operations, the bill failed to garner enough support in the Assembly. Last-minute lobbying efforts, including advertisements warning of potential shortages of popular products like Cool Whip and processed cheese slices, played a significant role in swaying lawmakers.

State Senator Pete Harckham, the bill’s main sponsor in the Senate, expressed disappointment at the outcome but remained determined to continue the fight for a plastics packaging bill in New York. He praised his colleague, Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick, for her efforts in advancing the bill through the committee process.

While opponents of the bill, such as the American Chemistry Council, celebrated its defeat, advocates like Beyond Plastics vowed to keep pushing for legislation that would reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable solutions. The bill’s failure highlighted the deep divide between environmental advocates and industry stakeholders on how best to address the growing plastic waste crisis.

Despite the setback, supporters of the bill remain optimistic about its future prospects, with plans to reintroduce it in future legislative sessions. The battle over plastic packaging waste management in New York is far from over, and both sides are gearing up for a renewed fight in the coming months.