New York Plastics Law Advances Amid Debate Over Chemical Recycling

Legislation aimed at significantly reducing plastic waste in New York is advancing through the state Legislature, despite intense opposition regarding the classification of chemical recycling. If enacted, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act would establish some of the strictest plastic packaging controls in the United States, potentially cutting non-recyclable packaging by 30 percent over twelve years. The bill mandates that producers fund recycling and disposal efforts but explicitly excludes chemical recycling from being classified as true recycling. This exclusion has sparked contention with industry groups like the American Chemistry Council and major producers such as ExxonMobil, who argue the measures are unreasonable. Conversely, environmentalists and lawmakers criticize chemical recycling, particularly pyrolysis, as an energy-intensive process that generates hazardous waste and fails to effectively produce new plastics. With the legislative session nearing its end, lobbyists continue to push for the inclusion of chemical recycling, a move described as a red line by environmental advocates. The outcome of this debate will determine whether New York adopts a rigorous approach to plastic pollution that challenges current industry practices.