More Than 100 Organizations Oppose New York’s Proposed Packaging Law, Warning It Will Drive Up Costs for Consumers
The Packaging Reduction and Infrastructure Investment Act Will Increase Costs on Consumers and Businesses
Albany, NY — More than 100 business associations, industry groups, businesses and employer organizations are urging New York lawmakers to reject the legislature’s proposed packaging bill, warning that the policy would significantly increase costs for businesses and consumers across the state.
See Letter HERE
The Business Council of New York State is including the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Investment Act (PRIIA) (S1464/A1749) bill in its Affordability Campaign – for its likely impact on consumer costs and convenience.
The coalition voiced strong concerns about the legislation, which would establish a sweeping extended producer responsibility program requiring companies to fund new packaging reduction and recycling mandates.
While coalition members say they support practical efforts to improve recycling and reduce waste, they argue the current proposal would impose unworkable material bans and source reduction mandates on companies that manufacture and sell packaged goods in New York.
“At a time when affordability is already a major concern for consumers and employers, the ‘Packaging Reduction and Infrastructure Investment Act’ (PRIIA) will only make matters worse. While many of these organizations support the overall concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR), we strongly oppose PRIIA because its material bans and mandated source‑reduction goals are unworkable and more extreme than EPR laws adopted in states like Minnesota, Washington, and Maryland. The bill would drive up costs and significantly limit consumer choice. Instead of imposing new costs and banning materials, New York should focus on improving recycling systems and reducing disposal,” said Ken Pokalsky, The Business Council of New York State.
Under the proposal, companies selling packaged products would be required to join a packaging reduction organization, meet strict recycling and packaging reduction targets, and pay fees to support recycling infrastructure and waste management programs.
Business groups say these requirements could create significant compliance costs, administrative burdens, and supply-chain disruptions for companies operating in the state.
Recent economic analysis cited by the coalition estimates the legislation could increase the cost of packaged goods b, potentially adding hundreds of dollars per year to grocery bills for the average New York household.
The coalition is urging lawmakers to work with stakeholders on more balanced policies that strengthen recycling systems without placing significant additional financial burdens on families, employers, and small businesses.
“Everyone agrees that improving recycling and reducing waste are important goals,” the coalition said. “But New York needs solutions that are practical, affordable, and workable for businesses and consumers alike.”
See letter HERE.