Right to Refill Bill (S7408 / A8007 2025) - NY's Bring Your Own (BYO) Sign-on Petition

[nancy...@gmail.com]

Good morning,

 

This email is asking for your support by signing onto this petition, https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/byo-rights-ny, to expand the current proposed Bring Your Own (BYO) - Right to Refill Bill (S7408 / A8007 2025). The proposed bill is a step in the right direction—but it doesn't go far enough. As written, it mostly repeats what’s already legal—BYO for dry goods and beverages. It leaves out the most critical piece: the right to bring your own containers for takeout, salad bars, restaurants, grocery stores, and delis.

 

This petition asks that legislators adopt a full, undiluted amendment to the BYO bill (S7408 / A8007). We are calling on sponsors and committee members to strengthen it—not water it down—by enshrining the right to BYO clean containers from home for takeout at restaurants, grocery stores, and delis across New York State.

 

The amendments to the proposed bill are as follows:

• Allow restaurants and delis to serve takeout in clean customer-provided containers;
• Protect businesses from liability when accepting reusables;
• Repeal outdated § 271‑8.3(e) of the NYS Food Code which restricts BYO at grocery stores, delis, and salad bars; and
• Bring New York's policy up to California,  Oregon, and other regions around the world.

 

Microplastics, PFAS, and other hazardous chemicals in single-use containers threaten the health of all New Yorkers—especially when exposed to heat, grease, or acidity. A growing body of scientific research shows the risks posed by microplastics, PFAS, and other chemicals commonly found in single-use containers. The BYO practice is a simple, safe, and cost-free solution for consumers, supported by governments around the world.

 

Please sign the petition here, https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/byo-rights-ny. These amendments were developed by Zero Waste Ithaca (ZWI),Columbia County Reduces and other allied organizations. We need your support now to make sure they’re fully included before the bill moves forward.

 

Sincerely,

Nancy Tudor

ZWCD member