Bill > S01464

This bill, titled the "packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure act," mandates that companies selling or distributing packaging materials must register with a designated packaging reduction organization to develop and implement a plan for reducing and recycling packaging. This organization, a non-profit entity, will act on behalf of these companies, known as "producers," to manage their responsibilities under the act. Producers will be required to report on the types and amounts of packaging they use, pay fees based on this information, and meet specific standards for packaging reduction, recycled content, and recyclability. The act also establishes an advisory council to review plans and make recommendations, a funding mechanism to cover program costs including reimbursements to municipalities and service providers, and outlines responsibilities for the Department of Environmental Conservation, producers, and service providers. Furthermore, it includes provisions for prohibiting certain toxic substances in packaging, setting reduction targets for non-reusable packaging, and establishing recycling rate standards, with penalties for non-compliance.