NYS Plastics Reduction Laws

By limiting the use of plastic products that often get littered or improperly disposed of, we can prevent plastic waste from entering our ecosystems and littering our communities and natural areas.  Implementing actions that can reduce problematic single-use plastics helps to maintain healthy habitats and prevent plastic pollution from entering our lands and waters where it can harm fish and wildlife, pollute natural resources, and turn into microplastics. Microplastics move through soils and waterways. They persist for a long time, degrade natural habitats, and contribute to environmental contamination. Microplastics have been identified as an emerging contaminant of concern and research to learn more is ongoing. NYS DEC is working with research scientists to better understand plastics in the environment (University at Buffalo (UB) Initiative for Plastics Recycling Research and Innovation). Producing plastics also requires large amounts of fossil fuels instead of renewable resources. 

Plastic reduction laws encourage businesses to rethink the materials or products they purchase and use and often lead them to adopt reusable, recyclable, or compostable options. While making these changes may require some initial planning, businesses find that it leads to long-term benefits like lower costs using reusables and better waste management. Research shows that consumers are increasingly interested in supporting businesses that show a strong commitment to sustainability. According to a 2025 survey conducted by researchers at the University at Buffalo, over 70% of NYS residents agree there is too much single-use plastic, plastic waste poses significant environmental risks, and reusables are better for the environment than single-use. These laws not only promote a shift toward greener alternatives but also help businesses attract customers that value sustainability.

Certain problematic single-use plastics are not accepted in local recycling programs because they are difficult to recycle. Nonetheless, when residents are uncertain about local recycling rules, sometimes these plastics accidentally end up in the recycling bin, where they can contaminate valuable recyclables, or even cause equipment damage or injuries to workers at recycling facilities. Plastic reduction laws are effective tools for keeping problematic plastics out of recycling programs, and encouraging alternatives that more easily recycled, reused, or composted. 

Plastics persist for a long time and contain various types of chemicals. Over time, plastics break down into microplastics that can be transported through air, water, and food and have been detected almost everywhere in the world. Plastics and microplastics are an emerging contaminant- which means scientists are finding growing evidence that these materials may cause harm to human or ecological health, and research is ongoing.   In the environment, fish and wildlife can become tangled in or ingest plastic pollution, leading to injury or death.  Plastic pollution can also pose a threat to humans when microplastics end up in the environment and in products that people consume and use.

Additional information about potential health impacts is available on the EPA website on Microplastics Research.

Retailers are often the direct connection between products and consumers, making them key partners in reducing waste across New York State. The choices retailers make regarding packaging and product offerings can significantly influence the amount of single-use plastic entering the waste stream and the environment. Affected retailers must comply with the existing plastic reduction laws in effect in the state. 

Retailers can further support waste reduction by:

• Offering reusable and compostable alternatives and incentives for customers
  • EPS Alternatives Reference Guide (June, 2022) in English (PDF, 3 MB) and Spanish (PDF, 3 MB).
• Educating staff and customers on waste reduction, reuse, and recycling practices
• Stores can increase and improve signage regarding film plastics recycling while simultaneously increasing collection bin size or the number of collection bins throughout a store. Making the collection bins more readily visible and accessible increases the incentive to recycle film plastics. 
• Reducing excess packaging in shipping and deliveries and exploring reusable packaging systems
  • Orange County Green Grub Pilot Program
• Engaging in waste reduction projects and programs underway at businesses in New York State
• Verifying compliance with other New York State laws that are meant to reduce waste 
• Aligning with reduction and reuse actions in State and Local Solid Waste Management Plans
• Adopting sustainable materials management practices and achieve TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) Precertification and Certification for Zero Waste.

Additional information on General Waste reduction and Recycling for businesses.

Municipalities play a unique leadership role in reducing plastic waste within their communities. Through purchasing decisions, local policies, public education, and community programs, municipalities can encourage residents and businesses to reduce their reliance on single-use plastics. Municipalities can lead by example by reducing or eliminating single-use plastics at municipal facilities, parks, offices, and events (Climate Smart Communities PE5 Action: Waste Reduction Education Campaign). 

Actions that can be taken by municipalities:

• Adopting policies that reduce single-use plastics at municipal operations and events
  • Engaging in climate smart materials management through the NYS Climate Smart Communities program
• Installing and promoting public water refill stations
• Ensure businesses adhere to local recycling laws and codes
• Promote events and campaigns centered on promoting reuse and reducing single-use plastics

Institutions such as schools and hospitals can serve as models for sustainable practices by reducing single-use plastics in classrooms, cafeterias, offices, halls, and events. Incorporating waste reduction into daily operations can decrease disposal costs and conserve resources. 

Actions that can be taken by institutions:

• Identifying a sustainability lead to establish a green team charged with implementing single-use plastic reduction activities
• Provide education and incentives to boost awareness and participation
• Contracting with vendors whose carbon footprint is minimal and focused on waste reduction as well as those which provide reusable trays, flatware, and dining ware, etc.

Individuals use single-use plastics, and therefore play a role in reducing plastic waste. We can all join the effort in New York State to reduce problematic plastics. Simple everyday actions, such as choosing reusables, can significantly cut down on the need for single-use plastics. Choosing products with plastic-free packaging or no packaging at all, minimal or recyclable packaging or packaging made from post-consumer recycled materials, buying in bulk when possible, and opting for durable, refillable items also help reduce the amount of plastic entering the waste stream. New York State residents can further support waste reduction by recycling right, participating in local community waste reduction events, avoiding littering, and supporting businesses that use sustainable business practices and comply with New York State plastic reduction laws.