As of March 2025, there is no indication that New York State is considering an expansion of its plastic bag ban to include dry cleaner garment bags. Under the Bag Waste Reduction Law, which took effect on March 1, 2020, garment bags used by dry cleaners are explicitly exempt, along with bags used for items like uncooked meat and newspapers. These exemptions were designed to account for the practical needs of specific industries.

While environmental advocacy groups have voiced concerns about certain exemptions and continue to push for stricter measures to reduce plastic waste, there have been no legislative proposals or reported efforts specifically targeting the dry cleaning industry’s exemption. Current advocacy efforts are primarily focused on addressing issues related to thicker plastic bags marketed as reusable and promoting greater adoption of sustainable alternatives, such as reusable totes or paper bags.

At this time, dry cleaners remain unaffected by any new restrictions under New York’s plastic bag regulations. However, as environmental initiatives and sustainability goals progress, future changes impacting the industry remain possible.

The New York State FY 2025 budget does not specifically include new provisions or changes to the Bag Waste Reduction Act. However, there are ongoing legislative efforts and proposals related to plastic waste reduction:

Senate Bill S1260: This bill aims to limit tinted green or brown bags to compostable plastic bags only, but it does not directly amend the Bag Waste Reduction Act. It is currently in the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation.

Senate Bill S1260, introduced on January 8, 2025, aims to amend the environmental conservation law to limit tinted green or brown bags to compostable plastic bags for exempt bags under the Bag Waste Reduction Act. Here's where it stands and how it might affect dry cleaners:

Current Status:

Introduced: The bill was referred to the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee on January 8, 2025.

Pending: It is currently awaiting review and action by the committee.

Potential Impact on Dry Cleaners:

Exempt Bags: The bill specifically targets bags that are exempt from the bag waste reduction law, such as garment bags used by dry cleaners.

Tinted Bags: If passed, the bill would prohibit exempt bags from being tinted green or brown unless they are compostable plastic bags.

Effect on Dry Cleaners: While dry cleaners are exempt from the plastic bag ban, this bill could indirectly affect them if they use tinted bags that are not compostable. They might need to switch to compostable bags or ensure their bags comply with the new regulations.

Key Points:

Compliance: Dry cleaners would need to ensure that any tinted bags they use are compostable to comply with the law.

Cost Implications: There could be additional costs associated with switching to compostable bags if they are more expensive than traditional plastic bags.

Overall, while S1260 does not directly target dry cleaners, it could influence their packaging choices if they use tinted bags that fall under the exempt categories.

Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act: Although not part of the budget, this bill aims to reduce single-use plastic packaging by 30% over 12 years. It passed the Senate in the previous session but stalled in the Assembly. Advocates continue to push for its passage.

The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) in New York aims to significantly reduce single-use plastic packaging and improve recycling infrastructure. While dry cleaners are exempt from the plastic bag ban, the broader implications of this act could indirectly affect them:

Key Provisions of PRRIA:

Reduction Targets: The bill targets a 30% reduction in single-use plastic packaging over 12 years, with incremental goals starting in 2027.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): Companies will be responsible for the lifecycle of their packaging, including recycling and waste management costs.

Toxic Chemical Bans: The bill prohibits the use of certain toxic chemicals in packaging, such as PFAS.

Recycling Rates: It aims for a 70% recycling rate for all packaging materials by the end of the 12-year period.

Potential Impact on Dry Cleaners:

Indirect Effects: While dry cleaners are exempt from the plastic bag ban, they might face increased costs if they use other types of packaging affected by the bill, such as cardboard or paper packaging.

Sustainability Expectations: The broader shift towards sustainability could influence consumer expectations, potentially encouraging dry cleaners to adopt more eco-friendly packaging options voluntarily.

Supply Chain Impacts: If suppliers of packaging materials to dry cleaners are impacted by the bill, there could be changes in the availability or cost of packaging materials.

Challenges and Opportunities:

Challenges: Small businesses, including some dry cleaners, might face challenges if they rely on packaging that becomes more expensive due to the regulations.

Opportunities: The focus on sustainability could create opportunities for dry cleaners to differentiate themselves by adopting eco-friendly practices, potentially attracting environmentally conscious customers.

Overall, while PRRIA does not directly target dry cleaners, it contributes to a broader environmental policy landscape that may influence their operations and customer expectations.

Environmental Funding: The budget includes significant funding for environmental initiatives, such as the Clean Water Infrastructure Act and the Environmental Protection Fund, but these do not specifically target the Bag Waste Reduction Act.

The environmental funding initiatives in New York, such as the Clean Water Infrastructure Act and the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), do not directly target the Bag Waste Reduction Act or specifically affect dry cleaners. However, these programs can indirectly influence dry cleaners in several ways:

Clean Water Infrastructure Act:

Water Quality Improvements: Funding for clean water infrastructure can improve wastewater management, which is crucial for dry cleaners using water-based cleaning methods. Enhanced wastewater systems can help reduce environmental impacts from water-based cleaning processes.

Regulatory Compliance: Improved water infrastructure can also support compliance with environmental regulations, such as those under the Clean Water Act, which governs water discharges and stormwater runoff6.

Environmental Protection Fund (EPF):

Sustainability Initiatives: While EPF primarily supports projects like land conservation and habitat restoration, it also funds initiatives that promote recycling and sustainable practices7. Dry cleaners might benefit from grants or programs focused on sustainable business practices, such as converting to wet cleaning methods.

Community Development: EPF projects often enhance local environments and community spaces. This could indirectly benefit dry cleaners by improving local business environments and promoting sustainable practices among consumers.

Potential Impact on Dry Cleaners:

Adoption of Sustainable Practices: Environmental funding initiatives can encourage businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. Dry cleaners might explore alternatives like wet cleaning or carbon dioxide cleaning, which could reduce their environmental footprint and align with broader sustainability goals.

Regulatory Compliance Support: Enhanced environmental infrastructure and funding can support compliance with existing regulations, such as those related to perchloroethylene (perc) use in dry cleaning.

Overall, while these funding initiatives do not directly target dry cleaners or the Bag Waste Reduction Act, they contribute to a broader environmental policy landscape that encourages sustainability and compliance with environmental regulations.

Overall, while there are no new budget provisions directly affecting the Bag Waste Reduction Act, ongoing legislative efforts focus on broader plastic waste reduction

We will continue to monitor this