NY S06540

Establishes extended producer responsibility (EPR) program requiring manufacturers to manage post-consumer collection and recycling of designated products rather than shifting costs to taxpayers and municipalities.

Producers must submit plans for approval by the Department of Environmental Conservation describing collection programs, including minimum collection site requirements, consumer education, and recycling rate targets (30% by year 5, 50% by year 10, 75% by year 15).

Retailers, distributors, and wholesalers are prohibited from selling covered products unless the producer is implementing an approved collection plan; producers bear all costs of implementation and pay Department administrative expenses.

Department shall designate covered products annually by March 15th with at least one year notice before effective date; legislature can reject designation by joint resolution within 60 days.

Creates extended producer responsibility program fund to receive penalties and fees, with department authorized to impose penalties of 25 cents per pound (or equivalent per item/volume) for shortfalls in achieving recycling rate goals.