American Forest & Paper Association Urges New York Legislature to Consider the Impacts of Extended Producer Responsibility

On May 14, 2025, the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) published a blog post urging the New York State Legislature to consider the impacts that two different extended producer responsibility (EPR) bills – the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Affordable Waste Reduction Act – could have on the state’s recycling system and the paper industry’s supply chain. AF&PA’s full blog post is accessible here.

According to a report by Resource Recycling Systems, paper makes up an average of 65% of materials handled in municipal recycling systems in New York. There is strong demand for recycled paper, and 80% of U.S. paper mills use recycled paper and cardboard to make new products.

However, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act risks increasing costs for consumers. AF&PA highlights an updated York University study projecting that the bill will cost the industry $1.3 billion – up significantly from the study’s original estimate of $500 million. It would also increase costs for the average family of 4 by $38-$61 per month, or $456-$732 annually.

The Affordable Waste Reduction Act includes an overly broad definition of “paper products” to include those that typically do not end up in recycling bins, like paper sold in bulk through business-to-business transactions and unprinted copy paper. By imposing fees on these products, the bill will unnecessarily increase costs throughout the supply chain that will ultimately reach New York consumers.

Please direct any questions you may have with regard to AF&PA’s stance on the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and/or the Affordable Waste Reduction Act to afpa@marathonstrategies.com.