On Earth Day, Counties Call for Action on Waste Reduction 

In recognition of Earth Day, the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) is urging the State Legislature to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S.1464/A.1749)—and to strengthen the bill by explicitly including printed paper under its provisions. The legislation represents an opportunity to address New York's growing waste management crisis while easing the financial burden on local governments. 

“We have a growing waste problem in our communities, and we need to look no further than our own trash and recycling bins. There is more paper and cardboard than ever before, and we need to address this before it gets any worse,” said NYSAC President Benjamin Boykin II.  

“The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act is a smart, forward-thinking approach to a crisis that counties can no longer manage on their own. To be truly effective, the bill must include printed paper, which makes up a significant share of our municipal recycling loads and associated costs,” said Boykin. 

NYSAC formally adopted a resolution in support of the legislation—including the addition of printed paper—at its 2025 Legislative Conference in Albany. The resolution reflects growing concern among county leaders about rising recycling costs, limited landfill capacity, and confusion among consumers about what can be recycled. 

“For three years in a row now, the New York State Association of Counties has unanimously passed a resolution urging state lawmakers to pass this legislation, and our communities cannot afford any more delay. The PRRIA will save New Yorkers a projected $1.3 billion in avoided costs over the next decade, shift the costs of disposing of this waste from local governments and taxpayers to the corporations that generate it, and eliminate nearly 20 highly toxic and dangerous chemicals in plastic packaging that threaten public health and the environment. The time to move this legislation forward is now,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, Chair of the NYSAC Climate Action, Energy and Environment Committee. 

New York’s largest landfill is expected to reach capacity this year, and the remaining sites have just over a decade of capacity remaining. More than 860,000 tons of recyclable materials are sent to landfills annually, largely due to inadequate recycling systems and public confusion​. Municipalities, already strapped for resources, are shouldering these burdens at great expense to taxpayers. 

The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, introduced by Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Deborah Glick, would establish a robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework for packaging—and, with NYSAC’s proposed amendment, for printed paper, as well. The legislation would shift recycling costs from municipalities to producers, while also: 

“Counties across New York are ready to partner in building a cleaner, more sustainable waste management system—but we can’t do it alone,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario. “By including printed paper in this legislation, we ensure that producers are accountable for the full range of materials they generate, which will save landfill space and taxpayer money.” 

Seven other states and several Canadian and European jurisdictions have already implemented similar EPR laws, achieving recycling rates as high as 78 percent. With the legislative session in full swing, NYSAC is urging swift action by the Senate, Assembly, and Governor Kathy Hochul to enact a strengthened version of the bill this year. 

For more information on NYSAC’s environmental policy agenda or to view the full resolution, visit www.nysac.org. 

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