Environment (Recycling)

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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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 12, 2026

S 5605: Enacts the "washing machine microfiber filtration act"

This bill requires all new washing machines sold in the state after January 1, 2030, to include a microfiber filtration system that captures at least 90% of fibers 100 micrometers or larger. It directly affects manufacturers (who must provide compliance certificates) and retailers (who must display a consumer label explaining the filtration system). The key provisions include mandatory filtration standards, visible consumer labeling with maintenance instructions, and a transition period allowing unsold inventory purchased before December 31, 2029, to be sold. The law aims to reduce microfiber pollution from laundry without specifying environmental outcomes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates microfiber filtration in washing machines to reduce water pollution from microplastics, directly protecting aquatic ecosystems and aligning with pollution control environmental goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6907: Clarifies certain provisions related to prohibiting plastic carryout bags

This bill clarifies New York State's rules for plastic carryout bags by defining key terms like "compostable" (must meet ASTM D6400 standards) and "reusable" (must hold 22 pounds for 125 uses). It requires large stores (over 10,000 sq ft or part of qualifying chains) to provide visible recycling bins for plastic bags, maintain records of bag recycling, and sell reusable bags. Compostable bags must display "COMPOSTABLE BAG -- DO NOT PLACE IN RECYCLING" to prevent contamination. The law directly affects large retailers, their suppliers, and customers who receive bags at checkout.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentClarifies plastic bag rules to reduce waste, mandates reusable options, and prevents recycling contamination, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6671: Relates to false claims about recyclability and plastic container labeling

Provides that it is deceptive to misrepresent that a product or package is recyclable unless it can be collected, separated or otherwise recovered from the waste stream through an established recycling program for reuse or use in manufacturing or assembling another item; requires the department of environmental conservation to develop regulations on types and forms of plastic products and packaging for which a claim of recyclability may be made; requires all rigid plastic containers sold in this state be labeled with a code that indicates the resin used to produce such container; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill prohibits false recyclability claims, requiring proper recycling standards to reduce plastic waste pollution and strengthen environmental protection regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 6393: Expands recycling of electronic products

S 6393 requires electronics manufacturers in New York to expand their e-waste recycling programs by establishing convenient collection methods. It mandates that manufacturers ensure 90% of residents have a collection site within 15 miles, with specific site requirements based on county population (e.g., three permanent sites in counties over 65,000 people). Manufacturers must also provide public education via websites, toll-free numbers, and product manuals - including data destruction instructions for devices with memory - and cover all costs for collection, transportation, and recycling. This directly affects electronics manufacturers, who must implement these programs at no cost to consumers or municipalities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates expanded e-waste recycling programs to reduce pollution from electronic waste disposal and ensure proper collection, directly advancing environmental protection through waste management.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates data destruction instructions in product manuals, directly advancing data privacy protections within e-waste recycling requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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passed · New York · Assembly Jun 10, 2025

A 8160: Directs state agencies to adopt a waste diversion plan

This bill requires all New York state agencies (including departments, public authorities, SUNY, and CUNY) to create and implement waste reduction plans. Agencies must decrease landfill waste by 10% every five years, starting from 2018-2019 baseline levels, aiming for a 75% overall reduction by 2034. Plans must detail strategies for reducing single-use plastics, diverting organics and recyclables, conducting waste audits, and transitioning to dual-stream recycling where feasible. The GreenNY Council will oversee implementation, review progress, and require updated plans every five years. All plans must be publicly posted on the environmental department's website.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 75% landfill waste reduction by 2034 via plastic reduction, organics diversion, and dual-stream recycling - directly advancing pollution control and resource conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2159: Relates to prohibiting illegal dumping on public property

S 2159 prohibits dumping trash, garbage, or offensive matter on public property like streets, parks, or waterways. It imposes fines of $500 for a first offense (increasing to $1,000 for repeat offenses) plus costs for clean-up. The bill also creates a reward system where witnesses providing evidence - such as photos of license plates or videos - can receive a reward from the commissioner if their evidence leads to a fine. This directly affects anyone who illegally dumps waste on public spaces and encourages public reporting to enforce the rule.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits illegal dumping in public spaces, reducing pollution in parks/waterways, directly aligns with pollution control goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1346: Enacts the New York photovoltaic module stewardship and take-back program act

Relates to enacting the "New York photovoltaic module stewardship and take-back program act"; provides that the department of environmental conservation shall develop guidance for a photovoltaic module stewardship and take-back program to guide manufacturers in preparing and implementing a self-directed program to ensure the convenient, safe, and environmentally sound take-back and recycling of photovoltaic modules and their components and materials; establishes the photovoltaic module recycling account for the purpose of paying all costs of the department of environmental conservation for management and administration of the New York photovoltaic module stewardship and take-back program.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates recycling program for solar (photovoltaic) modules, supporting renewable energy infrastructure lifecycle management and environmental sustainability.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes mandatory recycling program for solar panels to prevent environmental harm from disposal, promoting sustainable waste management in clean energy sector95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4651: Establishes an economy-wide cap and invest program to support greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the state by setting a maximum allowable amount of emissions and regulating the sale or auction of allowances

Establishes an economy-wide cap and invest program to support greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the state by setting a maximum allowable amount of greenhouse gas emissions by covered entities and regulating the sale or auction of greenhouse gas emissions allowances to covered entities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, directly promoting clean energy transition and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes emissions cap and allowance system to directly reduce greenhouse gases, aligning with environmental protection goals through mandatory emissions limits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1324: Establishes a product stewardship program for primary batteries

This bill establishes a product stewardship program requiring producers of primary batteries (non-rechargeable batteries ≤2kg, like alkaline or button batteries) to cover collection and recycling. Producers must register with a stewardship plan by April 2026, pay administrative fees, and implement free consumer collection systems at retailers and designated drop-off locations (with minimum facility requirements per county population). Retailers must accept up to 20 batteries per visit from consumers, and producers must meet annual collection rates based on prior sales. The program excludes industrial, business-to-business, and FDA-regulated medical batteries. It takes effect January 2027, with enforcement by the Department of Environmental Conservation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates producer-funded recycling of hazardous batteries to prevent soil/water pollution, directly reducing environmental contamination from waste disposal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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