New York State Insider: New York State Senator Pete Harckham: Reducing Waste and Saving Taxpayers $200 Million.

 

Dear Friend:   I was joined by Mount Kisco Mayor Gina Picinich and Westchester Legislators Erika Pierce and Nancy Barr at a press conference this week in support of my new bill, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act.

The new bill (S.4246) will require companies with a net annual income of over $1 million to reduce consumer packaging, improve recycling efforts of their product packaging and help update recycling infrastructure.   Additionally, companies will be expected to create and / or maintain reusable and refill infrastructure, support municipal recycling programs financially and reduce the toxins in their packaging.   This will save taxpayers in New York State over $200 million each year.   It’s time to make producers of waste fully involved with end of life-solutions for packaging and recyclables. Right now, it’s taxpayers and municipalities paying for the carting and recycling costs.   This is an important initiative—and a good example why you have elected me three times to the New York State Senate. There is so much more to do, and I will need your support every step of the way.   Thank you!