SUP "Single-Use Plastics" Committee
Foam Container, Void Fill and Protective Packaging Alternative Guide
We did it! NYS Plastic Bag Ban goes into effect March 1, 2020!
Have questions about the new plastic bag law in NYS? Submit them here and NYSAR3 will include them in a compiled list to the DEC. The purpose of this document is to give the NYSAR3 network a place to ask questions about this new legislation with the assurance they will go directly to the correct person at DEC. It may also help the DEC from being overwhelmed by multiples of the same question. Using this information, the DEC will put together a FAQ that will be made public. NOTE: each person will NOT receive an answer to their question directly.
Show us your bags!
Please help us by uploading images related to bringing reusable bags. These photos/ideas will be used to supplement an education campaign to encourage ‘bring your own bag’ with emphasis on images of the environmental impact of using paper or plastic bags.
The SUP committee is dedicated to encouraging the source reduction and recycling of single-use plastic items such as bags, bottles, and other beverage vessels, to-go containers, straws, and balloons.
FIRST REDUCE
Plastic is made from oil, a non-renewable resource. Today’s culture of convenience has bred many unnecessary single-use plastic items that are building up in our disposal systems and waterways.
THEN REUSE
The first and best way to reduce our plastic impact is to use less of it! Bring your reusable bags, water bottles, and beverage cups with you every day!
FOCUS ON FILMS
The SUP Committee has identified single-use plastic bags as low hanging fruit of single-use plastics pollution. Plastic bags are used for an average of only 12 minutes before they are thrown away and better alternatives exist!
THEN RECYCLE!
If you absolutely must take a plastic bag or purchase a product packaged in film plastic make sure that you recycle it! Plastic film can be recycled into many products such as new bags or composite lumber to be used in decks, benches, and more!
Did you know it is required by New York State law for retail stores over 10,000 square feet and chains which operate five or more stores with greater than 5,000 square feet of retail space to have receptacles for the public to recycle their plastic films? Most grocery, drug and retail stores fall into this category. Look for a bin near the entrance to the store or click here to find a film recycling location near you!
SOURCE REDUCTION THROUGH LEGISLATION
Municipalities across New York State are passing laws to encourage reduced plastic bag usage through fees and bans and several others, such as Madison County, are considering it.
Municipalities in NY with disposable bag legislation:
Village of East Hampton
Village of Southampton
City of Rye
Village of Larchmont
Village of Mamaroneck
Hastings on Hudson
Town of East Hampton
Town of Southampton
Village of New Paltz
Town of New Castle
Village of Patchogue
New York City (passed, preempted by New York State before implementation)
City of Long Beach
Suffolk County
JOIN THE COMMITTEE
Contact Michelle Gluck, Committee Chair
