Petition

Pass the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Act in New York

36,092 signatures. Let’s get to 40K
Add your name to the petition, and we’ll deliver your signature to key New York lawmakers.

Right now, New Yorkers have no control over how much single-use packaging is pumped into the market by retailers and companies. As a result, companies have spent decades creating crushing amounts of plastic pollution and waste, and New Yorkers have been forced to bear the costs. 

But a new bill that’s backed by environmental groups across New York could turn the plastics crisis on its head. 

The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Act (A.5322/S.4246) would require companies to:

  • Reduce their packaging by 50% in 12 years.

  • Make the remaining packaging truly reusable or recyclable.

  • Get certain toxic chemicals out of packaging.

  • Pay to clean up their packaging waste by reimbursing municipalities and taxpayers for the collection and processing of those materials.

  • Prohibit incineration and "chemical recycling" from counting as recycling.

Nearly all packaging that cannot be reused or effectively recycled is made of plastic. New York City alone trashes 1,579,600 pounds of plastic bottles and jugs every week, and spends $425 million each year to export its waste to incinerators and landfills — which comes directly out of taxpayers’ pockets.  

Even worse, much of the waste finds its way to waterways, where it can choke wildlife, leach toxic chemicals, and threaten human health. Fenceline communities where plastic is produced suffer toxic pollution that contributes to disease and lower quality of life.

For people and for the planet, New York must use this critical opportunity to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Act. But our window to pass this legislation is closing — we only have until June 8th, when New York’s lawmakers break for the year. 

Can you raise your voice, and help us hold manufacturers accountable for their pollution? Sign the petition, and tell legislators to pass the Packing Reduction and Recycling Act.

In partnership,

Surfrider Foundation and Only One


Click here to view the official petition language, which we will deliver to New York lawmakers.

Supporters
Deanna L

The waste is deplorable and the damage it's causing to our water systems is unacceptable.

1 week ago
Teryn R

This is something that needs to be taken on nationally. No, globally!

2 weeks ago
Susan T

plastic is killing the oceans and there gies the earth!

2 weeks ago
Dee D

I believe it's important

3 weeks ago
Anna S

i believe in recyling

3 weeks ago
Theresa P

this not only affects NY but it affects EVERYONE!!!

3 weeks ago
Marian H

maybe it will help a depressing situation. its time to ban plastic bags and single use bottles, jugs, containers.

4 weeks ago
Paula M

I want to see pollution be more understood.

4 weeks ago
azaniel f

i hate how everywhere tradh i nyc

1 month ago
Jordan L

im tired of pollution and the consequences of it

1 month ago
Samantha C

As a resident of new york state, I believe it is important to protect both our environment and the health of new yorkers.

1 month ago
Kassandra C

is there really a need for an explanation

1 month ago
Ann B

We create too much trash in the US and it is destroying our lands and waters!

1 month ago
David E

plastic is, if it hasn't already started the end of planet earth. plastic is by far the most damaging industries on this earth. End the plastic cycle…

1 month ago
Sierra J

i care

1 month ago
Susanna R

Because I care about our home called Earths wellbeing

2 months ago
Marisol G

Our children need a cleaner planet. We are all in need of a new recycling system

3 months ago
richard c

pacckaging, particularly the use of plastics, is OUT OF CONTROL! there are environmtalky sound alternatives to plastic already in use, all complanies…

3 months ago
Ann Lis i

this is a MOST IMPORTANT MUST!!!

4 months ago
Brayden C

because humans suck and need to do better

4 months ago
Ole P

Polution is incredebly bad!!!

4 months ago
Mia F

I hate pollution

5 months ago
Gay M

This Act will enable some plastic pollution to be stopped and reduced / removed.

5 months ago
nancy s

We CANNOT continue to abuse the planet, and our waters with mindless production of plastic. Recycling is CRITICAL to stem the tide of waste entering o…

5 months ago
Any S

life is precious and delicate—give earth friendly, nontoxic, reusable, and biodegradable options a chance—no styrofoam or plastics should touch foods.

6 months ago
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