If the “Pods are Plastic Bill,” a new law, wins support, it will replace laundry and detergent pods with sheets in New York City, the New York Post reports. The plan, which was put up by City Councilman James Gennaro, aims to outlaw the sale of certain washing products beginning in January 2026 if they include polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Laundry pods and sheets are encased in a dissolvent film made of PVA, which is convenient but has environmental risks. Scientists caution that PVA might contaminate streams and perhaps destroy ecosystems by breaking down into microplastics during washing.
According to the study referenced in the news article, more than 8,000 tons of untreated PVA from laundry detergents enter US waterways each year, according to the news portal. As per Congress’ most recent “green” drive, Tide PODS and other laundry detergent packets may soon be banned in New York City.
The “Pods are Plastic Bill,” presented last week by City Councilman James Gennaro, would prohibit the sale of any washing sheets or pods containing polyvinyl alcohol. If the measure is passed into law, the penalties for selling the pods would be as low as $400, double for a second infraction, and as much as $1,200 for breaking the law more than twice. Additionally, the law would mandate educating and informing companies about the prohibition for the first year.
Experts Say That Detergent Pods Continue To Contaminate After Breaking Down Into Microplastic Fragments
If enacted, the bill would go into force on January 1, 2026. During a wash cycle, a film made of polyvinyl alcohol, or PVA dissolves in water and is utilized in pods. On the other hand, experts argue that it decomposes into little microplastic fragments that continue to contaminate streams and evade filtering devices. A 2021 research estimates that over 19,000 tons of PVA are used annually in pods, with over 8,000 tons ending up untreated in US waterways.
“They [PVAs] are the most concerning emerging contaminants,” Gennaro told The New York Post. “It’s important for people to know I’m being very cautious and we’re taking a science-based approach. But I think the science is ultimately going to bear out this is something council should act upon,” he said, noting preliminary findings that found the microplastics bind with other contaminants in the water supply. “I need a little more [information] but I put the bill out to get everyone’s attention,” Gennaro added.
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