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Tompkins County Legislature backs state packaging-reduction bill, citing producer responsibility
Summary
The legislature passed a resolution (Doc ID 13091) urging New York State to enact the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S1464/A1749). Supporters said producer responsibility will improve recyclability; opponents warned about implementation complexity and state-by-state variation.
The Tompkins County Legislature on Feb. 18 approved a resolution urging the New York State Legislature to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S1464/A1749). The resolution (Doc ID 13091) passed on a 10—63 vote.
Advocates said shifting responsibility for packaging and recycling infrastructure onto producers will incentivize more recyclable packaging and reduce the cost burden on municipalities. Kat McCarthy of Tompkins County Recycling and Materials Management, citing consulting research, told the legislature "there's no evidence that there will be an increase in consumer prices" as a result of producer responsibility.
Opponents raised implementation concerns. Legislator Rich John said the bill is "incredibly complicated" and warned manufacturers and retailers face differing state standards if neighboring states pass different laws, creating complexity for businesses.
The resolution asks the county's state delegation to support S1464/A1749. The final floor vote was 10—63; the clerk recorded the motion carries 10 to 3. Supporters said the county should press Albany to reduce the costs municipalities now face for nonrecyclable packaging.
The resolution does not itself impose local fees or change county recycling operations; it is a formal request that the Tompkins County legislative delegation take a position in favor of the state bill.
