Packaging Reduction Press Conference at Capitol on March 19 2025

This is the full unedited audio of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA)press conference on March 19. New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Deborah Glick are the lead sponsors. Environmental and civic groups that participated include American Lung Association, Beyond Plastics, Capitol District Zero Waste, Environmental Advocates NY, League of Women Voters, New York League dof Conservation Voters, New York State Association of Counties, NYPIRG and Protect the Adirondacks, Riverkeeper, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter and Sisters of Charity. Dr. Kathy Nolan, a pediatrician active with Physicians for Social Responsibility, was a featured speaker.

The bill (S.1464 / A.1749), which recently advanced in both the Senate and Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, aims to significantly reduce packaging waste by requiring companies to reduce overall packaging use, improve recyclability, fund recycling infrastructure, support municipal recycling programs, and eliminate toxins in packaging materials. The legislation has broad approval from New Yorkers according to public polling.

Solid waste, which has been rising steadily over the years, presents a serious challenge for New York’s environment and the health of New Yorkers, as well as a burden on taxpayers. New York State’s 25 municipal solid waste landfills could be full within the next 15 years, according to the NYS Solid Waste Management Plan. Incineration of waste creates air quality issues and increases greenhouse gas emissions. Further, municipalities bear the burden of collecting, sorting, and processing waste, driving up costs for taxpayers.