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Category:
Facility Management / Safety


Responsible Office:

Procedure Title:
Elimination of Single Use Plastics and Preference for Durable and Reusable Alternatives - Procedure

Document Number:
5200

Effective Date:
March 05, 2024


This procedure item applies to:
Community Colleges
State-Operated Campuses

Table of Contents
Summary

Process
Forms
Related Procedures
Other Related Information
Authority
History
Appendices

Summary

The State University of New York (University) shall comply with existing state procurement law and set practical and attainable requirements for SUNY campuses, and their affiliated organizations, to eliminate the use of plastic items generally recognized as being designed for single use.

Policy 5201 Elimination of Single Use Plastics and Preference for Durable and Reusable Alternatives defines various categories of single use plastics. Those definitions are also included in the appendix of this procedure.

This related Procedure 5200, identifies recommended timelines for the elimination of each category of single-use plastics on all State University campuses, with consideration for the:

This Procedure also includes a graduated schedule for eliminating various products and a methodology for assessing progress. Campuses are directed to strive to eliminate products generally recognized as being designed for single use, ahead of the designated schedules, by prioritizing durable and reusable alternatives.

 


Process
  1. General
  2. It is the policy of the State University of New York (University) to set practical and attainable requirements for SUNY institutions, and their affiliated organizations, to eliminate the purchase and use of plastic items generally recognized as being designed for single use.

    Policy 5200 and this related Procedure 5201 apply to state-operated campuses and community colleges of the University, and their campus-affiliated organizations, including but not limited to Auxiliary Services Corporations, and applies on campus and at any university-sponsored activity or university-affiliated activity.

    The State University hospitals, medical (human and animal) and dental programs, while committed to moving to a more sustainable provision of healthcare services, are included within the scope of this procedure only insofar as proposed requirements do not detract from patient care and do not pose unreasonable economic burdens, as determined by the hospital or other healthcare entity.

    As the University aspires to be the leading university system in terms of efficiency, sustainability, cost and security as it relates to single use plastics reduction, it is the University’s policy to:

    In furtherance of this policy, the University has established specific requirements and timelines, identified in Section II., Requirements.
    The term single use plastics encompasses a wide range of plastic materials, specific product types and typical usage for each product. Appendix 1 - Definitions defines the types of plastic and identifies categories and the usage of products in each of those categories.
    When evaluating ability to eliminate single use plastics and single use products in general, campus reduction program components should be prioritized as follows:

    1. Implement operational and behavioral changes to eliminate the use of disposable products wherever possible;
    2. When disposable products are the only choice, select disposable products that do not contain plastic;
    3. Select disposable products that are BPI Certified compostable to replace single use plastics. While BPI Certified compostable products are considered single use plastics until the campus has established a composting program and is ensuring BPI Certified compostable products are being composted and managed in accordance with manufacturer and Composting Facility instructions, it is still preferred campuses procure BPI certified disposable products to non-compostable products;
    4. Where plastic products are unavoidable, those made from recycled plastic are to be given preference, with higher recycled content being preferred. NYS ;
    5. Assure single use plastics that may be recycled are being recycled at an appropriate Material Recovery Facility. Recycling these products may require additional recycling programs, and expanded education for campus members, beyond those currently in place at each campus;
    6. Where an alternative to single use plastics is not yet available, appropriate end of life management facilities are not available, or replacement is not practical, exceptions to this policy may be available;
      1. Accessibility needs allow for an exception to all parts of the policy;
      2. Other exceptions to this policy will be extremely limited and are noted in Section II, Requirements. Exceptions should be reviewed at least annually for continued applicability; and
      3. Additional exceptions may be necessary to support emergency operations. such as public health emergencies or extreme supply chain disruptions. This exception should only be used in the short term, institutions must return to following Procedure 5200 Elimination of Single Use Plastics and Preference for Durable and Reusable Alternatives promptly when the emergency has ended.
  3. Requirements
    1. Bags, as defined in Appendix 1 ¿ Definitions, are to be eliminated from use on campuses according to the following schedule:

      ID

      Usage

      Elimination Goal
      (Note 1)

      By Date and Related Notes

      1

      Grocery/takeout bags

      100%

      8/1/2024

      2

      Resealable, loose product, individual bags, i.e. Ziplock, plastic lined paper bags, and paper bags with cellophane windows.

      25%

      8/1/2024

      50%

      8/1/2025

      100%

      When possible, Note 2,
      Emergency, Note 8

      3

      Trash bags for individual offices, & classrooms

      50%

      8/1/2025

      100%

      When possible, Note 2
      Emergency, Note 8

       

      Exceptions

       

       

      4

      Laboratory and medical instruments and products wrapped in plastic to maintain sanitary state

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3

      5

      Trash bags (waste/garbage can liners) for labs, restroom, kitchenettes, food service, hospitals, and centralized collection areas.

      Temporarily Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3

      6

      Resealable bags, paper bags with windows, patient belonging bags, specimen bags, cadaver bags and other medical bags required for safe and sanitary healthcare services.

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3


    2. Balloons, as defined in Appendix 1 ¿ Definitions, are to be eliminated from use on campuses according to the following schedule:

      ID

      Usage

      Elimination Goal
      (Note 1)

      By Date and related Notes

      1

      Celebration ¿ balloon releases

      100%

      Immediately

      2

      Celebration ¿ other than balloon releases

      50%

      8/1/2024

      100%

      8/1/2025

      3

      Signage or wayfinding

      100%

      8/1/2025

       

      Exceptions

       

       

      4

      Balloons used for medical procedures

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3

      5

      Balloons used for scientific research procedures

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3

      6

      Balloons used for art installations and performances

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3


    3. Beverage Bottles, as defined in Appendix 1 ¿ Definitions, are to be eliminated from use on campuses according to the following schedule:

      ID

      Usage

      Elimination Goal
      (Note 1)

      By Date and related Notes

      1

      Water bottles: Individual servings and up to 5 gallons per container (Retail, dining, catering, and office purchases)

      100%

      8/1/2027
      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Contract based, Note 4

      1a

      Water bottles: Individual servings and up to 5 gallons per container (Resident dining - pay one price dining)

      100%

      8/1/2025
      Emergency, Note 8
      Medical exemption,
      Note 9

      2

      Non-water beverage bottles (ex: soda, juice, dairy, tea, etc.): Individual servings and up to 3-liter containers (Retail, dining, catering, and office purchases)

      100%

      8/1/2027
      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Contract based, Note 4

      2a

      Non-water beverage bottles (ex: soda, juice, dairy, tea, etc.): Individual servings and up to 3-liter containers (Resident dining - pay one price dining)

      100%

      8/1/2025
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Contract based, Note 4
      Emergency, Note 8
      Medical exemption, Note 9

       

      Exceptions

       

       

      3

      Bottled water during a water or medical emergency

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Emergency, Note 8
      Note 3

      4

      Bottles needed to ensure accessibility

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3

      5

      Bottles other than water and non-water beverage bottles.

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3

      6

      Bottles used in patient care settings where such restriction might impair patient care (e.g., individually bottles of nutritional supplements, restricted diets, etc.).

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3


    4. Food Service Products, as defined in Appendix 1 ¿ Definitions, are to be eliminated from use on campuses according to the following schedule:

      ID

      Usage

      Elimination Goal
      (Note 1)

      By Date and related Notes

      1

      Food Service containers in Dining halls (Resident dining - pay one price dining)

      50%

      8/1/2025

      100%

      8/1/2026
      Contract based, Note 4

      2

      Cafes, snack bars, and grab-and go

      100%

      8/1/2027
      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Contract based, Note 4

      3

      Fast food restaurants and branded restaurant chains, including those at athletic facilities, theaters, and other campus venues

      100%

      8/1/2027
      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Contract based, Note 4

       

      Exceptions

       

       

      4

      Hospitals

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Contract based, Note 4


    5. Stirrers, Straws, and Spill Plugs/Sticks, as defined in Appendix 1 ¿ Definitions, are to be eliminated from use on campuses according to the following schedule:

      ID

      Usage

      Elimination Goal
      (Note 1)

      By Date and related Notes

      1

      Straws for dine-in and take-out drinks

      100%

      8/1/2024
      Medical exemption, Note 9

      2

      Stirrers for dine-in and take out

      100%

      8/1/2024

      3

      Plastic spill plug/ splash stick for dine-in and take out

      100%

      8/1/2024

       

      Exceptions

       

       

      4

      Plastic straws available upon request

      Exempt

      Takeaway service, Note 5
      Available on request, Note 6

      5

      Hospitals ¿ straws, stirrers, and spill plugs/sticks when clinically indicated for patient care

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Contract based Note 4
      Takeaway service, Note 5
      Available on request Note 6

      6

      Specialty straws (shakes, Boba tea, etc.)

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Takeaway service, Note 5


    6. Utensils, as defined in Appendix 1 ¿ Definitions, are to be eliminated from use on campuses according to the following schedule:

      ID

      Usage

      Elimination Goal
      (Note 1)

      By Date and related Notes

      1

      Dine-in

      100%

      8/1/2025
      Medical exemption, Note 9

      2

      Take-out

      100%

      8/1/2027
      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Contract based, Note 4

       

      Exceptions

       

       

      3

      Catering services, when reusable is not practical. When reusable is not practical, but composting facilities are available then BPI Certified is preferred.

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3

      4

      Hospitals

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Contract based Note 4


    7. Wraps and Packaging Films, as defined in Appendix 1 ¿ Definitions, are to be eliminated from use on campuses according to the following schedule:

      ID

      Usage

      Elimination Goal
      (Note 1)

      By Date and related Notes

      1

      Food preparation and storage (internally generated as the result of campus food service operations ¿ includes 3rd party vendor operations on campus)

      100%

      8/1/2027
      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3

      2

      Manufacturer product packaging such as plastic wrapping of individual items such as take-out utensils, paper towel rolls, books, scientific instruments, etc.

      100%

      8/1/2027
      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3

      3

      Industrial wrap generated internally to manage warehouse goods, shipping materials for outgoing packages.

      25%

      8/1/2025

      50%

      8/1/2026

      75%

      8/1/2027

      100%

      When possible, Note 2

       

      Exceptions

       

       

      4

      Food packaging films and wraps (received from vendors) - including but not limited to minimally processed raw ingredients, prepared foods and sauces, prepared dressings and condiments in single serve and bulk packaging, soft drink syrups for use in machines, etc.

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3
      Contract based Note 4
      Alternative review required Note 7

      5

      Pallet wrap and shipping materials received from vendors, and for outgoing shipments when wrap is necessary for safe containment of the items being moved.

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual review required, Note 3

      6

      Medical & Hygiene products which are sealed in plastic to maintain sanitary state

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual Review Required, Note 3

      7

      Plastic wraps, films and industrial wrap used for medical, scientific, and artistic products and/or purposes

      Exempt

      When possible, Note 2
      Annual review required, Note 3


    Note 1: Single use plastic products are considered eliminated when operational or behavioral changes eliminate a disposable product entirely or when the single use plastic product is replaced by a reusable product, by a disposable product that does not contain plastic in any form, or by a BPI Certified compostable product that is collected and processed in an appropriate composting facility.

    Note 2: When alternatives exist that allow for elimination of single use plastics in this application, or a replacement product that does not contain plastic in any form or is BPI Certified and appropriate Material Recovery Facility is available. For Beverage Bottles, final dates to be determined when bottlers have viable, affordable alternative vessel for replacement, included in pouring rights contracts. For Food Service Products and Take Out Containers, when manufacturers and franchise brands have viable, affordable alternatives. For Wraps, when manufacturers have viable affordable alternatives which are NSF International approved (previously known as National Sanitation Foundation). All efforts where possible to reduce in the interim will be made.

    Note 3: Exceptions and exemptions shall be reviewed at least annually for potential availability and affordability of operational changes to eliminate plastics, recyclability of current products, or availability of BPI certified substitute products and appropriate composting facilities. This is not intended to mean every exempted product must be fully researched for all possible replacement products, but rather to mean the campus annually reviews what product categories they consider to be exempted and for each campus to note any potential improvements based on knowledge of new products that have entered the marketplace.

    Note 4: Exceptions may be necessary based on contractual obligations. However, at such time as contract renewals or new contract solicitations take place, these requirements are to be built-into the new contract specifications.

    Note 5 : Compostable takeaway food service products, utensils, and straws are still considered single use plastic unless collected and properly composted.

    Note 6: For consistency with New York City Local Law 64 f 2021, campuses, and their contractors, subcontractors and licensees are prohibited from selling, distributing, or otherwise providing a single use plastic straw with food or beverage, except upon request.  The policy applies to procurement by state-operated campuses of the University and their campus-affiliated organizations, including but not limited to Auxiliary Services Corporations. All food service establishments must maintain a sufficient supply of single-use plastic beverage straws that are not compostable and provide these, free of charge, to any person who requests one. Food service establishments with existing organics composting programs in place may provide BPI Certified compostable straws upon request only if such straws are used on premises and source separated from garbage and other recyclables to be collected for processing at a composting facility operating in accordance with 6 CRR-NY 361-3.2.

    Note 7: In cases where the use of single use plastics is required to support existing equipment (i.e., soft drink syrups in dispensing machines), exceptions and exemptions should be reviewed when associated equipment are due for replacement to identify alternatives that do not require single use plastics.

    Note 8: Single-use plastic items may be used in cases of emergency, such as public health emergencies or extreme supply chain disruptions. This should only be used in the short term; institutions must return to following the procedure when the emergency is lifted.
    Note 9: Exempt from restriction when used to support a student in need of medical sick- tray.

  4. Measurement and Verification Process
    1. Establish campus baseline - Each campus shall complete the following tasks to establish a baseline and track the amount of single use products being used in a typical year.
      1. Review past use of single use plastic products. Review is to include items on the chart below and the amount purchased for each campus, affiliates, and auxiliary  services for FY 2022-2023. For products where a baseline is not available for FY 2022-2023, campuses are to establish baseline for FY 2023-2024.
      2. Campuses and ASCs are to review and summarize existing campus contracts which may impact timing of implementation, and where the campus can provide appropriate justification to advise the Office for Capital Facilities an adjusted elimination schedule is necessary.
      3. Document the current state of campus recycling activities, onsite composting activities, and availability of offsite composting facilities. “Current state” includes diversion rates (recycling and composting), as well as trash, recycling and compost quantity by weight.
    2. Establish a plan for reduction.
      1. Develop a campus specific plan indicating the plans for plastic use reduction and improved recycling;
      2. Procurement practices are to give preference to products which report the single use plastic content associated with the product, the recycled content and other information about the company’s plastic reduction polices. This includes not only the plastic used for the product packaging but also plastic used related to shipping such as plastic wrap.
      3. Identify interim steps such as purchasing of BPI certified compostable products even if a process for composting these items is not yet in place.
      4. Define a timeline for establishing a composting process, and whether it will be on-site or at a certified composting facility. Identify responsibility for transport to any such composting facility.
    3. Collect data and complete required annual reporting.
      1. Report the following information about single use plastics including BPI compostable products that are not being composted:

        ID

        Description of Single Use Plastic Items

        Quantity Purchased

        1

        Plastic grocery/takeout bags

        2

        Plastic resealable, loose product, individual bags, i.e. Ziplock, plastic lined paper bags, and paper bags with cellophane windows.

        3

        Trash bags for offices

        4

        Balloons

        5

        Water bottles: Individual servings and up to 5 gallons per container

        6

        Non-water beverage bottles (ex: soda, juice, dairy, tea, etc.): Individual servings and up to 3-liter containers

        7

        Plastic cups

        8

        Plastic lids

        9

        Plates, bowls and other takeout containers

        10

        Plastic straws

        11

        Plastic stirrers/spill plugs

        12

        Plastic utensils

        13

        Wraps and packaging films

        14

        Manufacturer product packaging such as plastic wrapping of individual items such as take-out utensils, paper towel rolls, books, scientific instruments, etc.


      2. Campuses are to require vendors to provide either volume or weight data to the campus for all waste and recycling material removed from campus.
      3. Report amount of the items covered by this procedure that have been composted and whether composted on-campus or at a certified facility.
      4. Campuses are to report on exceptions that are being granted and to include a brief justification for such exceptions.
      5. Campuses are to report on what progress is being made, and to refresh the future plans.
      6. Campus changes to enrollment are recognized to have an impact on overall quantities of waste and recycling.
    4. Campus awareness campaigns
      1. Work with campus sustainability professionals and student groups to establish a communication campaign to inform the campus community of the importance of reducing single use plastics and the steps being taken to achieve the reduction.
      2. Install proper informational graphics to guide campus community to dispose of products in the correct containers.
      3. Include information about campus plastics reduction efforts in all campus orientations and residential living orientations to develop a culture of being responsible community members.

Forms

There are no forms relevant to this procedure.


Related Procedures

There are no related procedures relevant to this procedure.


Other Related Information

There is no other information relevant to this procedure.


Authority

On November 2, 2021, Governor Kathy Hochul signed into law Chapter 553 of the Laws of 2021, relating to the elimination of the use of certain single use plastic items at New York’s public university campuses. In order to implement this new legislation, and to ensure a robust effort to reduce single use plastics across the SUNY System, this resolution establishes a Task Force to encourage the elimination of single use plastics on SUNY campuses, leveraging input from stakeholders across the SUNY System. This resolution further authorizes the Chancellor or designee to adopt any policy, procedures, and/or guidance deemed necessary to implement the recommendations of the task force. These changes will allow SUNY students, faculty, and staff to take concrete daily steps to advance New York State’s efforts in protecting the vast and impressive environmental resources of the Empire State.  

https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2021/A7564

SUNY Board of Trustees Resolution 2022-09, dated January 25, 2022, creates a task force to recommend a System-wide Policy encouraging the elimination of single use plastics. The task force is to include appropriate and applicable representation from, but not limited to, students, faculty, staff, and representatives of the Auxiliary Service Corporations (ASC) who manage dining services on campus. The task force shall be charged with developing an action plan, recommended timeline, and associated policies for the elimination of single-use plastics on all State University campuses and shall consider the following in developing their recommendations: the availability of affordable alternatives; the accessibility of alternatives to all students, faculty, and staff; an evaluation of the effectiveness of reusable alternatives; and benchmarks for assessing progress. The task force is to include an action plan, recommended timeline, and associated policies. The Chancellor or designee is authorized and directed to issue any policy, procedures, and/or guidance deemed necessary to implement the recommendations of the Task Force.

 


History

Task Force Established – February 18, 2022

Policy effective date – March 5, 2024

Procedure version 1 date –  March 5, 2024


Appendices

Elimination of Single Use Plastics - Appendix 1 - Definitions