New York needs a "polluter pays" model for plastic waste

Companies are using cheap single-use materials to cut back on costs -- and beaches and marine life are paying the price.

But a New York state bill aims to address the plastic waste crisis. The bill incentivizes companies to use more recyclable materials, and it redirects money from polluters to underfunded recycling programs.

Environmental Action supports the "polluter pays" model behind this legislation -- but we're advocating for a few changes that would make this bill stronger. Call on your state legislators: Support an amended version of this legislation.

Subject: Support S.1185 with key amendments

Your Letter:

As a New York taxpayer, I shouldn't be footing the bill for companies that use wasteful materials. But when producers cut corners by making single-use plastic products, my municipality has to pay the price of recycling and waste management.

That's why I support the "polluter pays" concept behind S.1185, which was introduced by Sen. Tom Kaminsky and Assemblymember Steve Englebright. However, several amendments must be added to ensure the bill is as strong as possible.

I urge you to support the bill with these key amendments:

1\. The bill should include commercial waste and measure solid waste by volume.

2\. New minimum requirements for post-consumer recycled content and recyclability should be included in this legislation and decided upon by the legislature.

3\. Include waste reduction requirements and specific toxic reduction requirements in the bill.

4\. Exclude the conversion of plastic waste to fossil fuels, such as gasification, pyrolysis, plasma, and any burning in cement kilns and steel plants. It should also prohibit the "recycling" of plastics for road construction.

5\. The bill should include additional funding for the NY Department of Environmental Conservation to implement this program.

6\. Provide adequate oversight to the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), such that it is represented by a group of diverse stakeholders including non-industry representatives, and ensure its actions are held accountable by the public.

With these amendments, this bill gives New York the opportunity to become a leader in solving the plastic waste crisis.

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