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Hudson Valley lawmakers are urging the New York State Legislature to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA). This proposed legislation aims to shift the cost of waste disposal from local governments to corporations that produce packaging waste. According to State Senator Pete Harckham, the bill would significantly reduce waste, enhance recycling efforts, and eliminate approximately 20 toxic chemicals from packaging materials.
The PRRIA, sponsored by Senator Harckham and Assemblymember Deborah Glick, has successfully advanced through the Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee. The bill mandates companies with over $5 million in annual revenue to reduce packaging by 10% within three years and 30% within 12 years. It also sets recycled content standards for packaging materials, such as requiring glass packaging to contain 35% recycled material within two years.
Supporters of the bill include numerous environmental, civic, and faith-based groups, as well as several state legislators. They emphasize the financial and environmental benefits of the bill, noting that it could save local governments $1.3 billion over ten years by reducing waste disposal costs. In the Hudson Valley alone, savings could exceed $100 million.
However, the bill faces opposition from some industry groups, who argue it could increase costs for consumers. They propose an alternative measure that would involve companies contributing to a "Producer Responsibility Organization" to devise recycling strategies.
The PRRIA aims to address New York's growing waste crisis, with landfills potentially reaching capacity within 15 years. Advocates are pushing for the bill to pass in the current legislative session, highlighting its potential to reduce environmental impact and financial burdens on taxpayers.