OpEd: A smarter recycling policy can protect Black-owned businesses, support sustainability

Young man emptying recycling into green bin (Getty Images) Black-owned businesses play a vital role in the economic and cultural fabric of Long Island. We create jobs, support local causes, and help build strong, resilient communities. But like all small businesses, we’re constantly balancing rising costs with tight margins. So, when new legislation that could impact our bottom lines comes along, especially something as far-reaching as how many of the products we sell and their packaging are regulated, we pay close attention. As lawmakers in Albany move beyond the state budget process and begin considering measures like the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, we remain concerned with how this proposal is currently written. The bill aims to reduce waste by making manufacturers financially responsible for the materials they produce, a policy known as Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR. While that may sound like a straightforward fix, what often gets lost in the conversation is who actually ends up footing the bill. In reality, those costs never stay with manufacturers – they get passed down to distributors, retailers, and ultimately small businesses and consumers. This legislation risks driving up prices on everyday goods, squeezing small business owners already working hard...