Environmental Update – 2024 meeting Highlights
Supporting the Expanded Bottle Bill
For the February 13, 2024 meeting, the Office of the Democratic Minority filed a resolution (P/ 58) in support of NYS Assembly Bill A.6353 to expand the current NYS Bottle Bill. This bill would add additional beverage containers such as sports drinks, carbonated drinks, wine and spirits to the bill, as well as increase the deposit fee to 10 cents. This change would encourage more people to return their containers to redemption centers versus tossing them into the garbage.
Redemption centers have been struggling to survive and an increase in the handling fee from 3.5 cents to 6 cents would help them remain in business.
Opponents of the bill remain in denial and do not believe that an expanded bottle bill will help our environment, save tax dollars and local trash fees, divert trash from our landfills, and help redemption centers survive in this tough business.
Sadly, the resolution was once again voted down in the Rules Committee meeting on February 7th.
Supporting the Packaging Reduction and Recycling infrastructure Act
For the March meeting, the Minority office is submitting a resolution (P/50) in support of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act – Bill A.5322B and S.4246B. This bill is supported by over 200 groups, including the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC).
This bill utilizes the “polluter pays” principle, requiring companies to reduce their packaging and/or pay for the waste management and recycling costs rather than the tax payer. New Yorkers understand the devastating impact of plastic pollution, are very concerned, and support local and state policies to reduce single-use plastic, as landfills are nearing full capacity.
This bill would provide funding to local governments for waste reduction programs, recycling, and waste disposal, through fees based on the impact of the producers packaging. This measure would incentivize manufacturers to reduce their packaging in order to avoid those fees. Again – these measures would help localities offset increases in garbage fees passed on to county residents. A win win for all.
Unfortunately, the Republican majority voted against our resolution in committee, which means that it will not get to the floor for an open debate.