New York Packaging Requirements Practical Guide for Bags and Compostable Packaging
Table of Contents
This page explains how New York packaging law applies to shopping bags, trash bags, and compostable packaging. I wrote it for importers, brands, and distributors who need clear rules, correct labeling, and a practical way to request samples or pricing. This page is part of our USA compostable packaging laws overview.
What New York packaging law covers
New York does not regulate packaging through a single rule. Instead, several laws work together. For bag and packaging suppliers, the most important areas are:
Plastic shopping bag restrictions
Rules for compostable and biodegradable labeling
Polystyrene foam (EPS) bans
Material restrictions used in state and public procurement
Understanding how these rules overlap helps buyers avoid products that are legal in one state but rejected in New York.
New York plastic bag ban (what is allowed and what is not)
New York State enforces the Bag Waste Reduction Act, which bans most plastic carryout bags at retail checkout.
Under this law:
- Plastic shopping bags are not allowed for general retail use
- Paper bags may be offered, and some local governments charge a paper bag fee
- Certain bags are exempt, such as bags used for:
- Fresh produce
- Bulk foods
- Meat and seafood
- Prescription medicines
This means that many compostable bags cannot be used as checkout shopping bags in New York, even if they are certified. This is a common source of confusion for buyers.
Compostable and biodegradable labeling rules in New York
New York is strict about environmental claims on packaging.
What is restricted
In state guidance and government procurement rules, the following terms are generally not accepted for plastic packaging:
- Biodegradable
- Degradable
- Decomposable
- Oxo-degradable
These terms are seen as misleading because they do not guarantee proper composting or recycling outcomes.
When “compostable” may be used
Packaging labeled as compostable must be supported by recognized third-party certification. In practice, buyers and procurement teams often look for:
- ASTM D6400 certification for compostable plastic products
- Certification marks such as BPI or equivalent recognized systems
Without certification, compostable claims are usually rejected in reviews.
Compostable bags and liners for organic waste in New York
Compostable bags are most commonly used in New York for:
- Food waste collection
- Organic waste bin liners
- Institutional or commercial organics programs
In these cases:
- Bags should meet ASTM D6400 compostable standards
- Labeling must clearly show certification
- Bags should be used only where organic waste collection exists
Compostable bags are not a replacement for banned shopping bags, but they remain valid for waste and organics applications.
Polystyrene foam and other material restrictions
New York also restricts certain packaging materials.
Polystyrene foam (EPS)
New York bans many uses of expanded polystyrene foam, including:
- Foam food service containers
- Loose-fill packaging (packing peanuts)
Additional restrictions apply to some cold-storage uses starting in 2026. Suppliers should avoid EPS materials when planning New York packaging solutions.
Other material limits
In government and institutional purchasing, New York often requires:
- No PVC in packaging
- Limits on heavy metals
- Preference for safer material alternatives
These rules matter when supplying public agencies, schools, or state-funded programs.
A quick buyer check before sourcing for New York
Before ordering bags or packaging for New York, buyers usually ask:
- Is this bag intended for checkout use or for waste collection?
- Does the product include any restricted terms such as biodegradable?
- Is compostable labeling supported by ASTM D6400 certification?
- Does the material avoid banned packaging types like EPS foam?
Answering these questions early prevents rejected samples and delayed approvals.
New York packaging EPR: current status
You may see references to a New York packaging EPR law. At this time, statewide packaging EPR proposals have been discussed but are not in force.
For buyers, this means:
- No current statewide EPR registration is required for packaging
- Future changes are possible, and many brands monitor updates
- Existing bag and labeling laws still apply regardless of EPR status
It is practical to stay informed without making sourcing decisions based on laws that are not yet active.
How we support New York–compliant supply
From a manufacturing perspective, supporting New York compliance is about clarity and preparation.
For buyers sourcing compostable bags or liners for New York, we support with:
- ASTM D6400 (BPI) certification documentation
- Product specifications for shopping, trash, and compostable liners
- Label wording checks to avoid restricted claims
- Sample production for evaluation
- Basic compliance document packages for buyer review
This helps buyers move from compliance review to pricing without repeated revisions.
Request samples or pricing
If you are sourcing packaging for the New York market, a practical next step is to review samples and documents before placing volume orders.
You may:
- Request samples to review material, size, and labeling
- Request a quote with specifications, MOQ, lead time, and shipping details
Starting with samples and documents reduces risk and saves time later.
FAQ
No. Compostable certification does not override the New York plastic bag ban for checkout shopping bags.
Yes. Compostable bags are commonly used as liners for food and organic waste when properly certified.
No. Biodegradable and similar claims are generally restricted in New York packaging guidance.
Certification such as BPI (ASTM D6400) is widely accepted and often expected for compostable plastic packaging.
Conclusion
New York packaging law combines bag bans, labeling rules, and material restrictions. Most sourcing problems come from mixing these rules or assuming compostable means universally allowed.
When bag use, labeling claims, and certification are aligned from the start, supplying packaging to New York becomes manageable and predictable.
