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Committee approves transfer of paper bag-fee funds after debate on program scope and state rules
Summary
Legislators approved a resolution to transfer accumulated paper bag-fee revenue into an active reusable-bag program, but the measure drew a 4–1 vote and debate about program effectiveness, allowable uses under state law and whether to push Albany for broader authority.
The Planning, Energy and Environmental Quality Committee voted 4–1 on Aug. 11 to move funds collected under New York’s Bag Waste Reduction Act and Tompkins County Local Law No. 6 of 2019 into an active reusable-bag program and associated administrative costs.
Amanda moved the measure and Veronica seconded; Greg recorded the sole vote in opposition and said he wanted a larger discussion with the full legislature about alternative uses. Rich, Amanda, Veronica and one other committee member voted in favor.
"The New York State Bag Waste Reduction Act paired with the local law number 6 of 2019 allowed or established the nickel fee for paper carry out bags," Amanda said while introducing the resolution. She explained that a portion of the nickel returns to the county — historically about 40% of the five cents, which other members later confirmed is two cents — and that the county has used the funds to purchase reusable bags for distribution with priority to low- and fixed-income communities.
Staff told the committee that the money had accumulated in a special account and that the county has received clarification from the DEC that the funds may be used not only to purchase bags but also for advertising and some staff costs to administer the program.
Kat, staff member, Department of Recycling and Materials Management, told the committee: "When we ask for clarification, purchasing and distribution — that's staff — are done and all of that." Committee members pressed for detail on mechanism and amounts. Staff estimated annual incoming revenue at about $40,000 and said $70,000 held in reserves would be applied this year, producing roughly $110,000 for the program in 2025.
Some members said the program had produced limited behavior change and urged wider options: Greg said he would vote against the measure so the full legislature could consider an amendment to state law or different allocations. "I'm gonna vote against this. Just so that it can be a larger discussion with the full legislature," he said. Members suggested writing to state lawmakers to ask for more flexibility.
The committee debated allowable expenditures. Some members urged prioritizing staff time and outreach rather than large purchases of new bags, while staff said prior practice had focused on purchasing and distributing bags and that the DEC clarification was recent.
The resolution passed. Staff said the department will proceed with the spending plan consistent with the law and the DEC clarification and that they will return with program details and possible recommendations for future changes.
Why it matters: the decision moves existing, earmarked local revenue into active programming but raises questions about whether county practice and state law align with the most effective use of the funds. Several members requested follow-up and potential advocacy to the state to expand permissible uses.
What’s next: staff will implement the transfer and return to the committee with program details and reporting; several members said they will pursue dialogue with state legislators about amending state law or seeking additional flexibility for the funds.
