Much of our focus in 2024 narrowed in on advancing the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. With Same-as bills in both chambers, we were hopeful the Assembly would follow the Senate in passing their bill and getting onto the Governors desk, but unfortunately time ran out. As disappointing as that was, 2025 is already off to a fast start with both versions already introduced this session, so we can pick right up where we left off in June.

Our advocacy for sensible EPR policy would not be possible without the generous contributions of our donors, supporters and members who selflessly support our mission of transforming materials management in New York. Their assistance and dedication have allowed us to champion a series of efforts to advance circularity that, in turn, will provide much needed relief to our struggling programs.

In addition to Packaging, we also supported EPR bills related to mattress, rechargeable batteries, deposit containers and textiles, and will continue that support this year.

This session we will work just as hard to advance to educate and enhance the understanding of EPR policy for both the pocket books and environmental integrity of New Yorkers.

We are excited to announce that we have amended our Municipal Toolkit into a more comprehensive “Outreach” toolkit that includes multiple EPR explainer videos and a social media strategy for our supporters to use as they see fit.

Finally, our goals and commitments for the 2025 legislation are ambitious, but we are hopeful and remain dedicated to our mission, and that mission includes you! Thank you for your support and sustained collaboration. Together, we can make a real difference for New York.

Onward and upward!

New York faces an imminent waste management crisis and municipalities are struggling to maintain recycling programs due to skyrocketing costs. Annually, nearly one million tons of recyclable material is trashed due to confusion about what is recyclable, lack of accessibility, and poor infrastructure.

NYPSC is part of a multi-stakeholder coalition that includes voices from local government, industry, recyclers, and environmental organizations, that is championing efforts to invoke reform for our recycling system.

Implementing a comprehensive EPR program for packaging and printed paper would provide multiple benefits to taxpayers across the state, including:

• providing nearly $300 million in annual relief,
• creating dedicated funding for recycling infrastructure investments,
• Incentivizing producers to design packaging that is more recyclable and contains more recycled content, and
• boost recycling rates from the current 18% to over 70%, as demonstrated in other EPR jurisdictions.

NYSDEC has determined that approximately 1.4 billion pounds of clothing and textiles are disposed of in the state each year! Re-Clothe NY Coalition estimates the market value of discarded textiles exceeds $130 million dollars.

Given the enormous potential social, economic, and environmental benefits of textile recovery, the NYPSC joins Re- Clothe NY and NYSAR3 in supporting policy that recovers textiles for reuse and recycling.

Support NYPSC

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws in New York State for electronics, thermostats, rechargeable batteries, pharmaceuticals, paint, carpet, and solar panels are saving local governments millions of dollars in waste management costs each year by making producers responsible for the materials they sell.

Consider investing those savings in NYPSC’s work. Become a partner.