New York Environmental Bill

New York’s Bold Move to Tackle Plastic Waste Could Change Everything

Just last week, New York took a major step toward environmental reform with the State Senate passing the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRI)—a groundbreaking bill designed to tackle plastic pollution at its source. Now, all eyes are on the State Assembly, which must vote on the bill before the legislative session ends on June 12.

If passed, this would become the most comprehensive legislation in the nation addressing plastic waste, environmental health, and corporate accountability.

What Is the PRRI Act All About?

The PRRI Act completely reimagines how packaging waste is handled in New York—from production and recycling to what materials are even allowed on shelves. Key elements of the bill include:

• A 30% reduction in all plastic packaging over the next 12 years

• A requirement that all packaging (plastic, paper, cardboard) be at least 75% recyclable by 2025

• A strict, science-based definition of recycling that excludes “chemical recycling” (a process often promoted by corporations but shown to result in the majority of materials being burned, not reused)

• A ban on 17 highly toxic chemicals commonly used in packaging, including PFAS and PVC, which are linked to serious health issues

This legislation isn’t just about recycling—it’s about cutting plastic at the source and holding corporations accountable for their pollution.

Shifting the Burden from Taxpayers to Corporations

For decades, the cost of managing packaging waste has fallen on local governments and taxpayers, while corporations continued to flood the market with excess plastic.

The PRRI Act changes that. It introduces Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—a policy that requires companies to pay for the cleanup of the waste they generate. This gives companies a direct financial incentive to reduce their use of harmful, wasteful packaging.

To make sure no one slips through the cracks, the Act also creates a new Office of Inspector General to oversee compliance and enforcement. These changes are projected to save New Yorkers $1.3 billion over the next decade.

Why This Matters: The True Cost of Plastic

Each year, about 33 billion pounds of plastic enter the world’s oceans, devastating ecosystems and wildlife—and eventually entering our food and water.

Plastic is made from fossil fuels, and its production is a major contributor to climate change, accelerating global warming four times faster than air travel.

And the problem doesn’t end when we throw it away. Plastic breaks down into microplastics, which are now found in our air, our soil, and our bodies—including our blood, lungs, and even placentas. These tiny particles and the chemicals they carry are linked to heart disease, strokes, and premature death.

In short: Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a public health crisis.

The PRRI Act = A Healthier, Safer Future

By banning toxic chemicals, reducing plastic production, and putting cleanup costs on the polluters instead of the public, the PRRI Act delivers real solutions.

It protects our oceans.
It protects our bodies.
It saves taxpayers money.
And it gives companies a reason to do better—because they’ll finally be held accountable.

What Can You Do to Help?

Time is running out. The New York State Assembly has until June 12 to vote. But there’s good news: the bill has already passed two key committees and is on its way to the floor.

If you live in New York, your voice matters. Contact your Assembly Member and urge them to support the PRRI Act. A quick call, email, or message on social media can make a big difference in moving this bill forward.

You can find your Assembly Member’s info by searching your address on the Assembly Member Directory.

Let’s take a stand for cleaner oceans, healthier communities, and corporate accountability. Support the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act today.