Relates to establishing extended producer responsibility for tires

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Brian Kavanagh says this is needed

The improper disposal of used tires has severe environmental conse- quences, including pollution, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and the risk of uncontrolled fires that release toxic chemicals into the air. While New York state currently operates a tire management program under the Waste Tire Management and Recycling Act-which funded the cleanup of millions of illegally dumped tires and established require- ments for tire storage and disposal-this program places primary respon- sibility on retailers, consumers, and public agencies. The current program does not sufficiently incentivize tire manufacturers to take responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products. An extended producer responsibility (EPR) program would shift that responsibility to the producers, requiring tire manufacturers to manage the entire lifecycle of their products. This would ensure that tires are systematically collected, recycled, and repurposed, rather than accumu- lating in landfills or illegal dumping sites. By holding produceres accountable, an EPR approach closes the loop on tire waste, promotes responsible disposal and material recovery while reducing environmental degradation, conserving resources, and limiting the harmful effects on our ecosystems and public health. Implementing an EPR program for tires would also foster a circular econ- omy by transforming waste into valuable resources. Recycled tires can be repurposed into consumer products, reducing reliance on virgin raw mate- rials and lowering the environmental impact of new tire production. Unlike the current model, an EPR framework creates a structured and sustainable system for tire recovery by creating a structured system for tire recovery and reuse, an EPR program would encourage sustainable product design, minimize waste, and align with global efforts to promote environmental responsibility.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.