Menu
New York’s recycling system is under pressure—this blog explores the broader global crisis, local reform efforts, and how J & J Green Paper is helping rethink waste at the source.
In response to years of frustration with New York’s outdated bottle deposit system, a diverse coalition of community leaders has united to push for meaningful reform. But this local effort reflects a far larger issue. Globally, over 400 million tons of plastic are produced each year, with less than 10% recycled (World Economic Forum, 2025). Microplastics now pollute our oceans, food, and air.
Around the world, countries are responding with bold policy: Germany recycles over 65% of its waste (Earth.org, 2025), South Korea enforces strict producer responsibility, and several Asian nations are banning single-use plastics. Meanwhile, the U.S. recycles less than 30% of its plastic waste (NPR, 2022). Solving this crisis requires smarter systems and New York’s reform effort is one piece of that global shift.
Despite global momentum toward circular systems and producer responsibility laws to combat the growing plastic crisis, the U.S. remains held back by outdated infrastructure and policies. In contrast to other countries, the U.S. generates more plastic waste per capita. Much of that waste is downcycled, exported, or ends up in landfills and incinerators. New York is a clear example of this national challenge.
Once seen as a leader in environmental responsibility, now struggles with inefficiency. New York’s bottle program adds a 5¢ deposit to drinks, which is refunded when bottles are returned for recycling. In 2023 alone, more than $100 million in deposits went unclaimed. This breakdown isn’t just a local issue, it reflects a broader failure to modernize recycling policy and share responsibility between producers and government.
New Yorkers for Better Recycling support a new system where companies that make recyclable products pay for and manage recycling, with government supervision. The producers would fund and operate the system to get back more plastic materials for reuse. This keeps money in the system and gives companies a reason to make it work well. It’s not a theory, it’s a proven approach already working in other parts of the world such as Germany, South Korea, and Canada to raise recycling rates and reduce pollution. It’s a step toward a smarter, more circular economy.
New York’s outdated bottle deposit system highlights the urgent need for smarter, future-facing recycling solutions. In 2020, New York recycled 5.5 billion containers, equivalent to 240,000 tons of material, yet millions in deposits went unclaimed. Improving the system matters, but it’s only part of the solution. While improving how we collect and process waste is important, at J & J Green Paper (JJGP), we believe true progress starts with rethinking what we produce in the first place.
That’s where JANUS comes in. Our plant-based coating replaces polyethylene in paper packaging, offering a recyclable, compostable alternative that works with or bypasses today’s strained recycling systems. JANUS helps address challenges before waste is even created.
The New Yorkers for Better Recycling campaign highlights the urgent need for systemic change to make recycling more efficient. JJGP and the coalition are addressing different sides of the same challenge: creating a system where product design, material recovery, and responsibility are fully aligned. We’re not just imagining that future, we’re building it.
NY’s bottle system is outdated—$100M went unclaimed in 2023.
The U.S. recycles <30% of plastic; Germany does >65%.
Producer-led recycling works (just ask South Korea).
JANUS by JJGP helps cut waste before it starts.
Real fix? Smarter design + shared responsibility.
New York’s effort to modernize its bottle deposit system is more than a local fix; it’s part of a growing global push toward smarter, more sustainable waste solutions. As countries around the world implement bold policies to combat plastic pollution, The New Yorkers for Better Recycling campaign represents a powerful opportunity to reshape how we think about materials, responsibility, and impact. Building a system that protects both people and the planet is necessary. The time to act is now.
Personal Reflection: As an intern at JJGP I am thrilled to see community leaders and businesses across New York pushing for the kind of systemic change we are working towards. Their call for producer responsibility aligns directly with our mission to create sustainable, recyclable alternatives. It reminds me this is part of a larger movement to rethink waste and protect our environment for future generations.
This blog draws from information provided by the New Yorkers for Better Recycling coalition and statements published in their official press release dated May 3, 2024. For more details visit nybetterrecycling.com.
Innovating Sustainable Packaging with JANUS® 🌱
©2020-2024. J&J Green Paper. All Rights Reserved.