May 30, 2025
Senator Mark Walczyk has expressed strong opposition to the “Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act” (S. 1464/A. 1749), citing potential risks to New York’s food supply and recycling infrastructure. The proposed Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program is designed to enhance recycling and minimize packaging waste but may inadvertently burden businesses, municipalities, and residents economically.
According to a York University study referenced by Senator Walczyk, this legislation could increase grocery bills for a family of four by $489 to $732 annually. He stated, “Although reducing packaging waste is an admirable goal, the proposed legislation is fundamentally flawed and could severely impact consumers.”
The bill mandates a 30% reduction in plastic packaging over twelve years, which may lead to the removal of products like Kraft single-slice cheeses and Maxwell House coffee from shelves. This requirement lacks input from food packaging experts and does not consider current recycling infrastructures.
Walczyk emphasized the potential economic impact on local economies, particularly highlighting the Kraft-Heinz plant in Lowville that employs hundreds of workers. “This legislation poses a grave threat to the livelihoods of workers in our communities,” he said.
Farmers have also voiced concerns about shifting recycling responsibilities onto producers under this bill. The senator warned that prioritizing certain materials could harm industries focused on sustainability and disrupt New York’s agricultural sector.
Walczyk concluded by acknowledging environmental goals but criticized the legislation’s complexity: “It’s one-size-fits-all approach fails to account for the complexities of food safety and recycling technology.” He suggested it might prompt some New Yorkers to leave due to regulatory complications.
