Getty Images New York State is considering an extended producer responsibility (EPR) bill (S1185B) that, if passed, will require brands of consumer packaging and paper products to pay to recycle these materials. This includes plastics #1-7, metals, glass, as well as paper from packaging and items like flyers. If the bill passes, producers could sell only what state regulators deem acceptable.
The proposed legislation differs from an established model in that municipalities could continue running recycling programs rather than delegate the task to producers; and producers would reimburse the government for the work.
Sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky (D), (S1185B) is still in the Senate and House who are working on separate versions with plans to determine if they can agree on terms and language to meld into one bill.