Report: New York could save $1.3B by cutting packaging waste

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — The environmental advocacy group Beyond Plastics released an analysis on a proposed state law to cut packaging waste on Wednesday. According to the report, enacting the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act could save New Yorkers $1.3 billion over the next 10 years.

The report—available to read at the bottom of this story—tallies the potential savings from lowering collection and disposal costs if the PRRIA takes effect. The bill, S1464/A1749 reduces packaging waste while increasing recycling, forcing producers to cut plastic, use more recycled material, and ban toxic chemicals to mitigate rising costs, old incinerators, and overflowing landfills.

The analysis shows that PRRIA—introduced by Democratic Assemblymember Deborah Glick and Democratic State Senator Pete Harckham—would shift waste management costs from local governments and taxpayers to the companies that sell packaged products. It’s supposed to cut packaging waste by 30% and increase the rate of recycling.

In 2025, New York state will produce almost 3.8 million tons of packaging waste—about the weight of 10 Empire State Buildings, according to the report. It estimated an annual “avoided cost” savings from sending less trash to landfills and incinerators. All told, New York would save $109 million in 2030, $287 million in 2036, $445 million in 2040, and $830 million in 2052.

In New York City alone, the report projects that 1.5 million tons of PRRIA-covered packaging will be generated, of which about 1.2 million tons will go to landfills or incinerators. According to the report, New York City would save $818 mil...
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