Bill > A05712

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for hardcover book recovery, reuse, and recycling in New York State by prohibiting the disposal of hardcover books as solid waste or through incineration. The bill defines hardcover books as those bound in cloth, cardboard, or leather, explicitly excluding paperback books, and imposes several key responsibilities on state and municipal authorities. The Department of Environmental Conservation must inventory existing book recovery programs, share information on municipal recycling efforts, and ensure municipalities are notified about the disposal prohibition. Municipalities are required to establish programs within two years to collect, redistribute, reuse, and recycle unwanted hardcover books, with the option to contract with third-party organizations or collaborate with other municipalities. They must also maintain detailed records of their book recovery efforts, including tracking the tonnage of books collected, redistributed, and recycled. Additionally, hardcover book recyclers must provide annual documentation to the department detailing the tonnage of books received from each municipality and the destinations of recycled books. The goal of this legislation is to promote sustainable book management and reduce waste by creating a structured approach to book recycling and reuse.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5712