Environment (Recycling)

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 10638: Enacts the washing our clothes without polluting our water act

This bill requires washing machine manufacturers and importers to submit a compliance plan to the state department detailing how they will equip sold machines with microfiber filtration systems to reduce water pollution. Starting in 2031, producers must have an approved plan in place before selling any washing machines in the state, with a full ban on sales without approval beginning in 2032. The legislation defines specific responsibilities for retailers and commercial laundry services while establishing an advisory board and setting penalties for non-compliance. Ultimately, the law aims to ensure that a growing percentage of washing machines sold within the state include built-in filters designed to catch microfibers before they enter the water supply.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates microfiber filtration in washing machines to reduce water pollution, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Water Quality

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in committee · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 10328: Requires the use of reclaimed asphalt pavement

This bill mandates that at least 30% of reclaimed asphalt pavement be used in most highway construction projects across New York State, with a lower requirement of 10% for heavy-duty mixes. It directly affects state transportation departments, private contractors, and asphalt plant operators by requiring them to incorporate recycled materials into new paving projects. The legislation establishes specific definitions for asphalt types and allows for waivers if there is not enough recycled material available, while also directing officials to create rules that encourage even higher usage rates in the future.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandating reclaimed asphalt reduces waste and conserves natural resources by recycling materials.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates use of reclaimed asphalt, improving infrastructure sustainability and resource efficiency.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Roads & Highways

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 29, 2026

A 11369: Enacts the "extended producer responsibility for artificial turf act of 2026"

This bill establishes an "Extended Producer Responsibility" program for artificial turf, requiring manufacturers and importers to manage the collection and disposal of discarded products within the state. To comply, producers must submit a plan to the state department outlining how they will fund and implement collection sites, which can be permanent locations or mobile units that accept all types of turf regardless of brand. The law defines key terms such as "producer" and "recycling" to ensure that companies selling artificial turf are financially responsible for its end-of-life management through reuse, recycling, or proper disposal rather than relying solely on consumers or taxpayers.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes Extended Producer Responsibility for artificial turf, mandating manufacturers manage collection and disposal to reduce waste and pollution.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 2, 2026

S 9688: Provides for the regulation by the department of environmental conservation of business transaction paper containing bisphenol A

This bill prohibits the distribution and use of paper containing bisphenol A for recording business and banking transactions, such as receipts and credit card records. It directly affects paper manufacturers, financial institutions, and any entities involved in business transactions by banning the production and use of this specific type of paper. The legislation requires manufacturers to replace bisphenol A with the least toxic alternative available, which must be certified by the Department of Environmental Conservation as safe and free from known carcinogens or other harmful toxins. Additionally, the bill establishes an independent advisory committee of scientists to guide the department in identifying safe chemical substitutes and updating safety standards annually.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill bans BPA in paper and mandates least toxic alternatives, directly reducing chemical pollution and protecting the environment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 1, 2026

S 9684: Requires the trustees of The State University of New York to develop a SUNY-wide zero waste action plan

This bill directs the State University of New York trustees to create a comprehensive plan aimed at eliminating waste across all campuses by the year 2033. The plan must involve input from faculty, staff, students, and labor groups, and it focuses on reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling and composting, and prioritizing durable materials over disposable ones. Each university campus will be required to develop its own detailed action plan within six months and must track progress using specific metrics on waste reduction and diversion. Additionally, the board of trustees will monitor implementation annually and report their findings to the state legislature and the public.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates a zero waste action plan to reduce pollution and conserve resources by 2033.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 10211: Establishes a deposit and recycling program for wine containers and liquor containers

Establishes a deposit and recycling program for wine containers and liquor containers with 5 cent deposits for containers less than 24 oz and 10 cent deposits for containers over 24 oz; provides for labeling of such containers; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a deposit and recycling program for containers, directly promoting waste reduction and conservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 10168: Enacts the "extended producer responsibility for artificial turf act of 2026"

This bill establishes an extended producer responsibility program for artificial turf in New York, requiring manufacturers and importers to manage the collection and disposal of their products. Under the new rules, producers must submit a plan to the state department by December 2025 to set up a system where they finance the collection, transportation, and recycling or reuse of discarded turf. The legislation defines artificial turf broadly to include shock attenuation layers and infill, ensuring that companies selling branded products or importing turf without a U.S. presence are held accountable. Consumers, including individuals and businesses, will be able to return used turf to designated collection sites, which must accept all types of the product regardless of brand. The bill also clarifies that recycling does not include burning waste for energy or sending it to landfills, focusing instead on material recovery and reuse.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates producer responsibility for artificial turf disposal and recycling, directly reducing waste and pollution while conserving resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 11392: Extends provisions relating to the establishment of the mercury thermostat collection act

This bill extends the deadline for the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act to January 1, 2028. It directly affects the program responsible for collecting and recycling mercury-containing thermostats, ensuring the initiative continues for an additional year. The key provision simply amends the existing law to update the expiration date, allowing the collection efforts to proceed without interruption. This change is procedural in nature, as it only adjusts the timeline of an already established environmental program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act to ensure continued recycling of hazardous materials, directly supporting pollution control and environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 7, 2026

A 11032: Directs state agencies to adopt a waste diversion plan

This bill requires state agencies and public authorities to create and submit waste diversion plans aimed at significantly reducing how much trash they send to landfills. Affected entities must set a goal to cut waste disposal by ten percent every five years, starting from a 2018-2019 baseline, with a long-term target of a seventy-five percent reduction. The plans must include strategies for recycling and composting, a timeline for auditing waste, steps to eliminate single-use plastics where safe, and consideration of better recycling sorting methods. A council of top state officials will oversee these efforts, review progress every five years, and update the goals as needed. All submitted plans must be made available to the public on the environmental department's website.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates waste diversion plans to reduce landfill use, promote recycling, and cut waste by 75%.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 13, 2026

S 9895: Repeals the major renewable energy development program, including the office of renewable energy siting and electric transmission

Repeals the major renewable energy development program, including the office of renewable energy siting and electric transmission; and amends various provisions of law relating thereto.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly repeals renewable energy development programs and offices, directly weakening clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill repeals renewable energy development programs and offices, weakening clean energy infrastructure and environmental protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Recycling

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