New York governor signs legislation to improve waste management

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed two bills that address recycling, composting and single-use plastics items at State University of New York (SUNY) and City University of New York campuses (CUNY).

According to a news release from the governor’s office, S.6334/A.5605 requires local waste management plans to include methods to increase waste diversion. Hochul also passed S.6815/A.7564, which aims to eliminate single-use plastics on SUNY and CUNY campuses by requiring school trustees to collaborate with students, faculty and staff.

“With the fate of the planet at stake, New York must continue to lead the way in the global fight against the climate crisis,” Gov. Hochul says. “This package of legislation will make sure New Yorkers are recycling, composting and phasing out wasteful plastic products, putting our state on the path to a cleaner, greener future.”

“Far too much waste that could be recycled or composted ends up in landfills,” says New York state Sen. Rachel May. “New York has made significant progress in reducing the amount of waste we generate, but we can still do more. This legislation asks municipalities to be sure they consider how to increase recycling and composting as they manage solid waste.”