BILL NUMBER: S5605A
SPONSOR: KAVANAGH
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to requiring wash-
ing machines to meet certain filtration system requirements
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would require all washing machines to be sold with a microfi-
ber filtration system and proper notice of such a system.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill amends the general business law to add a new
section 395-c. Subsection 1 defines the relevant terms. Subsection 2
outlines new requirements for washing machines to include a microfiber
filtration system. Subsection 3 outlines guidelines for manufacturers of
washing machines, distributors, and retailers. Subsection 4 outlines
the civil penalty for violations of this section. Subsection 5 outlines
the general rights, actions, and defenses available for those subject to
this law.
Section two sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, even in the most remote
areas. Due to their small size, they can bioaccumulate in the food chain
and cause increasing environmental concern. Studies have found micro-
plastics in humans' lungs, brains, and placentas and show that these
particles can cause oxidative damage, DNA damage, and changes in gene
activity.
Microfibers are the most common type of microplastics, according to the
EPA, and are found in several different ecosystems like wastewater,
stormwater runoff, rivers, lakes, wildlife, etc. Around 60% of clothing
is made entirely or in part by plastic, including polyester, nylon, and
acrylic. These synthetic textiles shed microfiber through daily wear and
also in washing. Scientists estimate that textiles produce 35% of ocean
microplastic pollution, an estimated 2.2 million tons annually. An aver-
age three-pound load of laundry can shed hundreds of thousands of micro-
fibers into the sewer system. Most treatment plants in the USA are
designed to reduce organic material in water and are not efficient in
removing fine synthetic particles like microplastics.
Filtration systems in washing machines are seen as an effective strategy
for capturing microfibers before they enter wastewater effluent and into
the environment. This bill would require all washing machines to be sold
with a built-in microfiber filtration system. Studies have shown that
microfiber filters can capture up to 78% of all microfibers. Other
states like California, Connecticut, and Oregon have created or passed
laws to address the growing concerns regarding microplastics, specif-
ically microfibers in washing machines. In 2020, France also mandated
that all new washing machines sold as of January 1, 2025, include a
filter to capture microfibers. New York State, through this proposed
bill, would be able to reduce the amount of microfibers floating through
our waterways and decrease environmental pollution.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.