Food Packaging

Choosing environmentally friendly packaged items:

• Go package-free. 
  • Bring produce bags to avoid using plastic produce bags - don't forget your reusable shopping bags as well.
  • If you can, try grocery stores that allow you to bring your own container for bulk goods (e.g. nuts, pasta, flour, peanut butter, cooking oils, etc.).
• Reusable Containers.*
• Compostable Containers.
  • Be aware that some containers labeled as compostable may only compost in a commercial composting setting, while others are suitable for backyard composting. The container will often indicate what type of composting is acceptable.
• Recyclable Containers.**
  • Avoid black plastic food containers as these cannot be recycled.

*Reuse maintains the integrity of the original product, and therefore retains the embedded energy and value of the materials used, resulting in significant environmental benefits.

• Life cycle analyses reveal that when materials extraction, fabrication, transport, distribution, and disposal are all considered, reusable food service containers have significantly lower environmental impacts than single-use food service ware, including energy use and air pollution.

**Recycling diverts material from landfills and trash incinerators and makes it available to be converted into other products. Manufacturing products from recyclable materials often uses less energy and water than making them from virgin (i.e., nonrecycled) materials.

To learn about the recyclability of different container types, you can review DEC's Alternative Container Reference Guide (PDF).

Recycling programs vary in what is accepted, so remember to check the recycling guidelines for your own community or recycling hauler. Find your local recycling guidelines and learn more about how to properly recycle by visiting the Recycle Right New York website and following @recyclerightny on social media platforms.

Photo of Sustainable food container options courtesy of Christina C.

PFAS and Food Service Containers/Wrappers

• PFAS chemicals' unique properties make them resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water and are used in a wide variety of everyday products, including food packaging. PFAS do not break down easily and persist in the environment.
  • Some PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.
  • PFAS released into the environment have been detected in surface water, groundwater, animals, and humans worldwide. Learn more about Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.
• DEC is implementing a prohibition on intentionally added PFAS in food packaging. The law applies to paper-based food packaging intended for direct food contact. Products of this type containing intentionally added PFAS can no longer be sold in New York State (as of December 31, 2022).
• Items such as carrying cases, crates, cups, pails, trays, wrappers, bags, and tubs (e.g., cardboard boxes used for pizza, pastry boxes, sandwich wrappers, soup cups, etc.) are covered under the PFAS in food packaging law. Products that are certified compostable by Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI) or Compost Manufacturing Alliance (CMA), and food service ware that is GreenScreen certified, are likely to exclude intentionally added PFAS.
• The restriction of PFAS in food packaging was enacted under the Hazardous Packaging Act of 1990. This act does not permit packaging to contain intentionally added or incidental concentrations of lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium which together are greater than 100 parts per million by weight (0.01%).

What you can do to reduce packaging waste

Plan ahead - Make a waste reduction kit for your backpack, handbag, or vehicle so you're prepared on the go. It can include a reusable shopping bag, water bottle, coffee mug, straw, eating utensils, and containers for leftovers. Keep a similar meal kit at your in-office desk.

Avoid bottled water and other beverages - Purchase refillable and reusable water bottles. Try drink mixes instead of single bottles for sports drinks.

If you can't reuse, refuse! - It's okay to say that you don't want a straw with your drink or you don't need plastic utensils or condiment packets with your takeout order.

Avoid Single-Use Plastics (SUP) when possible.

To protect the environment and our communities, and to support sustainable materials management in NY State, disposable food service containers made of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) and EPS foam packing peanuts are now banned. In addition, foam containers are not accepted in most recycling programs in New York State because the foam is difficult to recycle and has a low value.
To report a covered food service provider, facility, or store selling or distributing EPS foam containers, submit a complaint through DEC's Polystyrene Foam Ban Complaint Form.

For more information on environmentally friendly packaging and PFAS, visit DEC's website.

Get There Green! is September 17-24. Join us next month as we talk about sustainable modes of transportation. 

Environmental Bond Act Listening Sessions and Survey

Overwhelmingly approved by voters last fall, the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act prioritizes investments in environmental justice, climate change mitigation, shoreline restoration, flood resilience, water quality, open space conservation, recreational resources, and green jobs. This spring and summer, the public and potential funding applicants can learn more about the Bond Act at a series of educational listening sessions. The last session of the series:

• Long Island: August 24, 1 to 3 p.m., Suffolk County Community College, Suffolk Credit Union Arena

Sessions will feature a presentation on the Bond Act and an opportunity for one-on-one discussion with State experts. Meetings are open to the public.

Missed out on attending a session near you? Check out the virtual session recordings.

We Want to Hear from You!

Share your ideas for how the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act could help your community and environment. Complete a short survey to collect project ideas and other feedback. This survey will provide stakeholders and members of the public a place to share these ideas.

The deadline for ideas and comments is September 15. We need your input to help the New York State team select projects and deliver funds while also ensuring a transparent and collaborative process that benefits ALL New Yorkers.