The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has raised concerns regarding the extended producer responsibility (EPR) program proposed in New York. The state legislature is considering two bills, namely the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Affordable Waste Reduction Act. AF&PA emphasizes that the proposed EPR legislation overlooks the complexities of New York’s recycling system and the paper industry’s supply chain.
New York is currently conducting a Needs Assessment supported by AF&PA. Resource Recycling Systems (RRS) initiated the assessment with the publication of the Current Recycling Systems in New York State. Despite gaps in data, the report highlights that paper comprises an average of 65% of materials handled in municipal recycling programs.
Municipal recycling programs play a crucial role in collecting paper products, which can be sold to paper mills for recycling. This process helps offset the cost of recycling collection. The demand for recycled paper and paper-based packaging remains strong in the United States and internationally, with 80% of U.S. paper mills utilizing recycled materials for production.
However, AF&PA warns that EPR programs, such as those proposed in New York, risk treating highly recycled materials like paper similarly to hard-to-recycle materials. This approach could lead to highly recycled materials subsidizing the collection and recycling costs for less recyclable items, potentially increasing expenses for consumers.
The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, in particular, has been projected to significantly raise costs. An updated study estimates that the legislation could cost the industry $1.3 billion, a substantial increase from the initial projection. Ultimately, consumers may bear the brunt of these costs, potentially facing monthly price hikes on everyday goods.
California’s experience with EPR serves as a cautionary tale, prompting a reevaluation of cost implications. Legislators are urged to carefully consider the financial impact on New Yorkers before enacting EPR legislation.
AF&PA further highlights issues with the Affordable Waste Reduction Act, particularly its broad definition of “paper products.” The proposed legislation includes products that do not typically end up in recycling bins, subjecting them to fees that could escalate costs throughout the supply chain.
RRS emphasizes the need for comprehensive data to inform effective recycling systems. AF&PA urges New York policymakers to delay enacting EPR legislation until a more thorough understanding of the state’s waste and recycling systems is established.
AF&PA’s advocacy aims to promote policies that support economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness in the essential paper and packaging industry. As the debate over EPR legislation in New York continues, the industry awaits a balanced approach that considers the intricate dynamics of recycling systems and the diverse materials involved.
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