BILL NUMBER: S5605C
SPONSOR: KAVANAGH
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to enacting the
"washing machine microfiber filtration act"
 
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 provides that this act shall be known as the
"washing machine microfiber filter act".
Section two of the bill amends the general business law to add a new
section 396-uu. Subsection 1 defines the relevant terms. Subsection 2
outlines new requirements for washing machines sold after two thousand
thirty to include a microfiber filtration system, with a conspicuous
sticker or label with notice regarding such system and instructions on
its use. Subsection 3 outlines guidelines for manufacturers of washing
machines, distributors, and retailers. Subsection 4 outlines exemptions
for distributors or retailers who acquire washing machines on or before
December thirty-first, two thousand twenty-nine. Subsection 5 allows the
department of environmental conservation to adopt the necessary rules
and regulations for compliance. Subsection 6 outlines the maximum civil
penalties for violations brought by the attorney general, a city attor-
ney, a county counsel, or a district attorney.
Section three 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 microplastics 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:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.