New York Assembly Bill A05119

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/12/25
• Refer: 2/12/25
• Report Pass: 5/13/25
• Refer: 5/13/25
• Report Pass: 5/20/25
• Refer: 5/20/25

Caption

Requires any waste hauler providing waste removal services to provide to customers certain estimated costs and invoices; includes penalties for initial and subsequent violations; requires moneys collected from penalties and fines to be deposited into the environmental protection fund.

Impact

One of the primary influences of A05119 on state laws is its emphasis on consumer protection within the waste removal industry. By requiring clear communication of costs, the bill seeks to mitigate instances of overcharging and unexpected expenses for consumers. This amendment to the general business law is expected to create a standard practice in an area that has been criticized for lack of oversight, potentially leading to increased consumer trust in waste management services across the state.

Summary

Bill A05119 aims to enhance transparency in solid waste removal services by mandating waste haulers to provide customers with estimated full costs for waste services prior to service delivery. This bill stipulates that these estimates should be presented in a range from lowest to highest costs, ensuring customers are well-informed about potential charges. Waste haulers must also furnish detailed invoices immediately following service, including the total cost of all services rendered, after which customers can better assess and verify the charges billed against them.

Contention

Notable points of contention arise around the penalties stipulated within the bill for non-compliance. A05119 includes provisions for civil penalties for any waste haulers that fail to adhere to the outlined regulations, carrying fines up to $500 for first-time violations and $2,500 for subsequent ones. These penalties serve to reinforce the importance of compliance, but concerns have been raised by industry stakeholders regarding the financial burdens imposed on smaller waste haulers, who may struggle to meet the new requirements.

Environmental aspect

Additionally, the bill directs that all fines and penalties collected due to violations will be deposited into the Environmental Protection Fund, which signifies a commitment to eco-friendly practices corresponding with state efforts to manage waste responsibly. This provision aligns financial accountability with environmental stewardship, aiming to support broader environmental initiatives funded through these penalties.