Environment (Recycling)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 706: Updates the definition of the term reusable bag

Updates the definition of the term "reusable bag", as used in the environmental conservation law, to specify minimum material and durability standards.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentUpdates reusable bag definition in environmental conservation law with minimum standards to reduce plastic pollution and promote reusable alternatives, directly advancing conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4733: Requires state and municipal agencies to purchase compostable single use tableware

Relates to requiring state and municipal agencies to purchase compostable single use tableware; requires state and municipal agencies purchasing single use tableware to purchase single use tableware made from material that is compostable unless there is no affordable compostable product available.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates compostable tableware for agencies, reducing landfill waste and pollution, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6339: Requires contractors to recycle waste generated on construction and demolition sites

This bill requires contractors working on specific construction and demolition projects in New York to recycle or reuse a set percentage of debris generated on-site. Contractors must recycle at least 25% of debris for projects with permits issued within one year of the law’s effective date, and 50% for later projects. It applies to new residential buildings with four+ units, larger non-residential buildings, and certain demolitions, excluding small projects like plumbing-only work. Contractors must submit documentation within 30 days of project completion, face fines for non-compliance (up to $500 per day or per percentage point short of targets), and may apply for waivers.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates recycling of construction debris, reducing landfill waste and conserving resources, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5712: Provides for the recovery, reuse and recycling of hardcover books

This bill prohibits disposing of hardcover books (defined as books bound in cloth, cardboard, or leather) as regular trash or burning them. It requires all municipalities to establish programs within two years for collecting, reusing, or recycling hardcover books, including tracking collected volumes and recycling partners. Municipalities must report program details to the state environmental department, which will share best practices and post program information online. The law directly affects local governments and book recyclers, mandating specific recovery systems instead of landfill disposal.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates recycling/reuse of hardcover books to prevent landfill disposal and burning, reducing waste and pollution per environmental conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1492: Relates to plastic carryout bags provided by restaurants

This bill removes an exemption that previously allowed restaurants, taverns, and similar food service establishments to provide plastic carryout bags without following New York's bag waste reduction rules. It directly affects these businesses by requiring them to comply with the same bag restrictions as other retailers under the state's environmental conservation law. The key change deletes the specific exemption for "plastic carryout bags provided by a restaurant" from the list of allowed bag types, meaning restaurants must now use reusable, compostable, or other approved bags for takeout. This update aligns food service establishments with the broader bag waste reduction requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRemoves exemption allowing restaurants to provide plastic bags, strengthening bag waste reduction rules to reduce plastic pollution and conserve resources under environmental conservation law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5865: Prohibits the purchase of single-use plastic bottles by the state and any governmental entity or political subdivision or public benefit corporation thereof

Prohibits the purchase of single-use plastic bottles by the state and any governmental entity or political subdivision or public benefit corporation thereof except for when required by health requirements, emergencies, or when no other alternative is available or practicable.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits single-use plastic bottles, reducing plastic pollution and supporting environmental conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5663: Relates to establishing extended producer responsibility for electric and hybrid vehicle batteries

Relates to establishing extended producer responsibility for electric and hybrid vehicle batteries; provides that no later than June 30, 2026 a producer shall submit a plan for the establishment of a collection program for electric or hybrid vehicle batteries; establishes the electric and hybrid vehicle batteries extended producer responsibility fund.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes producer responsibility for EV batteries, enabling sustainable lifecycle management and supporting renewable energy infrastructure adoption through EV adoption.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires producers to manage battery waste via collection programs and fund, preventing pollution and promoting recycling of EV batteries.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7759: Updates the definition of the term reusable bag

Updates the definition of the term "reusable bag", as used in the environmental conservation law, to specify minimum material and durability standards.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentUpdates reusable bag standards under environmental conservation law to ensure durability/material quality, reducing single-use plastic pollution per conservation law context.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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died · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 6307: Relates to the prevention and mitigation of marine and coastal debris

Relates to the prevention and mitigation of marine and coastal debris; defines terms; requires the department of environmental conservation to prepare and annually update a marine and coastal debris action plan.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates an action plan to prevent/mitigate marine debris, directly reducing pollution and protecting coastal ecosystems per environmental conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5750: Relates to the packaging of cannabis and hemp products

Relates to the packaging of cannabis and industrial hemp products; requires the cannabis control board to develop strategic plans detailing the packaging and labeling requirements to be used prior to the retail sale of any cannabis or cannabis product; establishes a sustainable cannabis packaging incubator program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a 'sustainable cannabis packaging incubator program' requiring eco-friendly packaging standards, aligning with environmental conservation through reduced waste and resource use.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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