Includes Expansion of New York State’s Polystyrene Foam Ban and Restrictions on Hotel Hospitality Single-Use Plastic Bottles

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is reminding businesses, organizations, and consumers of upcoming waste reduction law requirements taking effect on January 1, 2026. The provisions will help reduce pollution by expanding the State’s ban on the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam food service containers to include cold storage containers and further limits the availability of single-use plastic bottles for personal care products at hotels.

New York State continues to advance comprehensive waste management efforts to address the impacts of solid waste on climate change and increase waste reduction, reuse, and recycling practices among New Yorkers. Through nation-leading research partnerships and policies that include the plastic bag ban, food donation and recycling law, post-consumer paint collection, and the State’s Solid Waste Management Plan, among many other initiatives, DEC’s ongoing efforts protect water and air quality, improve quality of life for communities, and prevent emissions that contribute to climate change. For more information about waste reduction, reuse, and recycling and steps New Yorkers can take, visit DEC’s website.

Expanding the State’s Polystyrene Foam Ban

Polystyrene foam is one of the top contributors of environmental litter, causing negative impacts to fish and wildlife, waterways, and other natural resources, as well as littering local communities and natural areas. Polystyrene foam is lightweight, breaks apart easily, and does not readily biodegrade. When polystyrene foam ends up as litter in the environment, it can persist for a long time and may also become microplastic pollution. In addition, polystyrene foam containers and packing peanuts are not accepted in most recycling programs in New York State because the foam is difficult to recycle and has a low value.

Beginning January 1, 2026, no covered food service provider, manufacturer, or store will be allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute expanded polystyrene foam containers in New York State that are not wholly encapsulated or encased within a more durable container, and are designed or intended to be used for cold storage, including, but not limited to, coolers and ice chests. New York State’s foam ban prohibiting the sale or distribution of polystyrene foam disposable food service containers—including cups, bowls, plates, and trays — as well as polystyrene foam packing peanuts, has been in effect since January 1, 2022. The State’s polystyrene foam ban does not include New York City, which implements a separate city-wide ban on these products.

For more information about the new requirements, including affected businesses and organizations, container types, and exemptions and how to submit a complaint, please visit DEC’s Polystyrene Foam Ban Webpage or e-mail foamban@dec.ny.gov with questions.

Expanded Restrictions on Hotel Hospitality Personal Care Products in Plastic Bottles 

The practice of hospitality properties providing small plastic hospitality bottles of personal care products in guest rooms and retail shops has proven wasteful in both natural resources and products. Many small, single-use plastic hospitality bottles of personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, moisturizers, and soaps/body wash, are often discarded. Plastic bottles are resistant to degradation and last many years in a landfill. As plastic bottles deteriorate, the residual contents of the products are released into the environment, while the packaging itself can also release micro and nano plastics that can negatively impact humans, wildlife, and local eco-systems.

Beginning January 1, 2026, New York State’s existing ban on the use of small plastic bottles containing personal care products will be expanded to any hotel, apartment hotel, motel, or boarding house with less than 50 rooms. The new provision will prohibit these entities from providing any small plastic bottle containing less than 12 ounces of a hospitality personal care product. A hospitality personal care product is any product intended to be used on the human body for cleansing, conditioning, or moisturizing.

For more information or to file a complaint, please visit DEC’s Small Plastic Hospitality Bottles Webpage or e-mail recycling@dec.ny.gov.

See the NCPR story 

Click here for the NCPR story 

WAMC Reports 

Tax Law Changes Effective March 1, 2026

NYS News Release of December 31, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of resources aimed at educating young people, caregivers and educators on how to safely navigate digital media content in a way that protects their mental health. Developed by the state Office of Mental Health, digital wellness resources are available on ‘Be Well’ — the ongoing campaign to improve mental wellness statewide — and aimed at helping all New Yorkers develop healthy habits with their digital devices.

“As New York’s first mom Governor, I’m concerned about the mental health of our children and how their struggles with depression and anxiety relate to the digital media they consume at an alarming rate,” Governor Hochul said. “With digital devices being popular gifts during the holidays these resources will help caregivers, teachers and young people themselves embrace healthier habits with their digital devices and to better understand the role digital media plays in their mental wellness along with the steps they can take to protect their mental health.”

The digital wellness section of the ‘Be Well’ site includes information on how to maintain healthy habits with smart phones, tablets, and computers, and how using these devices can impact mental well-being. The content is organized into distinct audiences, including youth and young adults, parents and caregivers, educators, in addition to all New Yorkers.

The additional resources are aimed at helping New Yorkers develop healthier habits when using digital devices, which are popular gifts during the holiday season. Likewise, these tools can encourage families to practice healthier habits with digital media during a time when many young people are on break from primary schools and colleges.

New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Digital media is part of our everyday lives and when we use it in a way that feels balanced, it can help us stay connected, informed, and entertained. These resources are designed to help New Yorkers develop healthy habits with technology and avoid the behaviors that can leave them stressed, anxious, and depressed. This content continues Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to protecting youth mental health and ensuring everyone has access to the mental health resources they can rely on to thrive.”

The ‘Be Well’ site now includes general tips on safely navigating digital content, including social media, how to maintain privacy online, steps to counter cyber-bullying, and other educational resources. The new pages also connect with videos and other evidence-based content from trusted organizations. Read more »

Recapping a dry year for the Eastern Adirondacks

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer Story 

The mountain’s snow season has shrunk by almost three weeks since 1965, with snowpack onset occurring later in the fall months and disappearing earlier in the spring months, according to National Weather Service data.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

NYS DEC News Release of Dec. 30, 2025 – York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other State agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate, and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In the first half of 2025, Rangers conducted 139 search and rescue missions, extinguished 82 wildfires covering nearly 705 acres, and participated in 56 prescribed fires that rejuvenated 1,514 acres of land. In 2024, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 362 search and rescue missions, extinguished 122 wildfires covering nearly 6,500 acres, participated in 60 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate more than 1,155 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in more than 1,200 tickets and arrests.

Town of Schroon 
Essex County 
Wilderness Rescue: On December 24 at 11:30 a.m., the North Hudson Fire Department called Forest Ranger Quinn to assist with an injured hiker on Crane Pond trail. The 70-year-old from Fort Edward suffered an ankle injury after a fall and activated the SOS feature on a satellite device. Ranger Quinn responded with New York State Police, Schroon Lake Fire Department, North Hudson Fire Department, and Ticonderoga Emergency Medical Services. Rescuers stabilized the injury and used Schroon Lake Fire Department’s tracked utility terrain vehicle to transport the patient to a Ticonderoga ambulance. Resources were clear at 1 p.m. 

Schroon rescue

Schroon rescue

Town of Long Lake
Hamilton County
Snowmobile Accident: On December 28 at 12:19 p.m., Ray Brook Dispatch received a call from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office requesting Forest Ranger assistance with a snowmobile accident off Uncas Road in Moose River Plains Wild Forest. Forest Ranger Lieutenant Arnold and Ranger Milano responded with Raquette Lake Fire Department, Raquette Lake and Inlet Emergency Medical Services, New York State Police, and Inlet Police. Rescuers found the 61-year-old from Amityville approximately 10 feet off the trail, in the woods. The snowmobiler had been ejected from the snowmobile while rounding a corner. The patient had unstable pelvis and leg injuries. Rescuers packaged the patient into Raquette Lake Fire Department’s tracked utility terrain vehicle (UTV). The UTV transported the injured snowmobiler to a nearby LifeNet helicopter that flew the patient to the hospital. Resources were clear at 1:50 p.m.

Long Lake snowmobile accident

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on State lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

More than 645,500 Pounds of Chemicals, Pesticides, Paint, Oil, Flammable Liquids, and Other Hazardous Materials Collected During 2025

Albany, DEC News Release of Dec. 29, 2025 – New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced another record-breaking year for the CleanSweepNY program. More than 645,500 pounds of chemicals, including pesticides, paint, oil, flammable and nonflammable liquids, and other hazardous materials, were collected during 2025—the highest amount in the program’s 23-year history and an overall increase of 9.3% from the previous record collection year.

“Programs like DEC’s CleanSweepNY continue to help discard unwanted or expired chemicals and pesticides while protecting public health and the environment,” said Commissioner Lefton. “Thanks to the continued support from Governor Hochul and investments from the Environmental Protection Fund, 2025 was another record-setting year for the CleanSweepNY program, with 343 participants disposing of more than 645,000 pounds of chemicals and helping support a toxic-free future for New York State.”

CleanSweepNY helps promote a healthy and sustainable New York State by providing opportunities for proper disposal of unwanted and/or obsolete pesticides, including herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants, sanitizers, and antifoulants, as well as other covered wastes, including fertilizers, paint, primers, among others. These services are provided without cost to farmers, licensed pesticide applicators, municipalities, city and county agencies, colleges, pesticide businesses, and garden centers. The program was established by DEC in 2002 to promote proper waste separation and disposal practices of these potentially harmful chemicals, which may otherwise have been disposed of in landfills or other inappropriate ways, in order to reduce the potential for negative impacts to human health or the environment.

During 2025, the following materials were collected by DEC for safe disposal:

• 194,001 linear feet (36.7 miles) of light bulbs;
• 3,164 aerosol containers;
• 251,027 pounds of pesticides;
• 168,142 pounds of paint –
• 105,136 pounds of paint diverted to PaintCare for recycling. Learn more about paint recycling on DEC’s website;
• 28,430 pounds of motor oil;
• 117,587 pounds of flammable liquids (hand sanitizers, gasoline, etc.); and
• 73,717 pounds of nonflammable liquids (antifreeze, etc.).

The increase is driven predominantly by a spike in the price of whey, a milk byproduct.

Click here for the VTDigger story 

Albany, NY News Release of Dec.29, 2025 –  Michael Cashman (D-Plattsburgh) has been named Chair of the Task Force on New York-Canada Relations, a first-in-the-nation working group that fosters the New York’s critical links to its northern neighbor.

“New York State and Canada have a deeply ingrained relationship built on cooperation and respect,” Cashman said. “As the former town supervisor for Plattsburgh, I have seen firsthand the transformative impact that a strong partnership with Canada can have for communities at the border and across our state. I am deeply honored to contribute to that relationship and look forward to working with partners on both sides of the border.”

Launched in 2023 and previously chaired by former Assemblyman D. Billy Jones, the task force aims to raise awareness and deepen the impact of New York’s economic and cultural links to Canada. The state’s largest export market is Canada, accounting for 19% of the state’s total exports, or $17.4 billion, in 2024.[1] This amount does not include $8.4 billion in service exports, $17.9 billion in critical imports, or the nearly 60,000 New York workers employed by more than 800 Canadian-owned businesses.[2]

“The Assembly Majority is committed to fostering a good relationship with our Canadian neighbors,” Speaker Heastie said. “I have the utmost confidence that Assemblymember Cashman is the perfect choice to chair our Task Force on New York-Canada relations. His commitment to our border communities, trade, small businesses and robust tourism industry will serve him and the people of our state well in his new role.”

“This is a very positive development for the North County, maintaining our Assembly member’s leadership of the New York-Canada Task Force,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “This legislative grouping has become a valuable part of sustaining and growing our vital cross-border connections and Assemblyman Cashman will be a very strong leader of the initiative, having been an active player in North Country relations with Canada for years. We thank Speaker Heastie for entrusting this task force to Michael at a time when its mission and potential have never been more important. And we pledge the Chamber’s strong partnership going forward. Onward and upward!”

“I welcome the strong leadership that Assemblyman Michael Cashman will bring to the NY State Assembly’s Task Force on New York-Canada Relations! It is a testament to the bonds between Canada and New York that this Task Force will continue under new leadership to reinforce, strengthen, and expand the historical, cultural, familial, and economic ties we have shared over centuries. I look forward to working with Assemblyman Cashman to explore new pathways to success for citizens on both sides of the border,” said Consul General of Canada in New York Tom Clark.

Click here to view Peru Town Board’s Regular Meeting conducted on Dec. 29, 2025 at 1 p.m. 

Troopers Seized 170 Vehicles and Issued More Than 1,000 Tickets To Ensure Public Safety and Accountability

30 Individuals Owed Nearly $82,000 in Unpaid Tolls and Fees to Thruway Authority

NYS News Release of Dec. 29, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Police Troop T, in partnership with the New York State Thruway Authority, seized 170 vehicles and issued more than 1,000 tickets during four statewide enforcement details on the Thruway system that targeted drivers who persistently violated tolls, and had ghost plates and illegible or missing license plates. The details occurred this fall along the Thruway in Albany, the Hudson Valley and Syracuse. The owners of 30 vehicles that were impounded and had suspended registrations owed nearly $82,000 in unpaid tolls and fees to the Thruway Authority. The Authority has since recovered almost $38,000, representing 46 percent of the total owed, from 16 vehicle owners.

“Cracking down on persistent toll-evaders makes driving on the Thruway system fairer and more affordable for New Yorkers, all while funding critical infrastructure improvements that make our roads safer and more reliable,” Governor Hochul said. “Initiatives like these get bad actors off our roads and allow us to continue making historic investments in our roads, bridges and tunnels, giving everyone a better, safer ride.

This is the second major operation on the Thruway this year, following a coordinated enforcement campaign consisting of three enforcement details that took place over the summer, resulting in State Police seizing 140 vehicles and issuing 711 tickets. The summer and fall enforcement details resulted in the Authority recovering $116,000 of the $207,000 owed (56 percent) from 37 vehicle owners.

Across the country, there has been a notable increase in the use of fraudulent or “ghost” plates over the past few years to avoid cameras used to collect tolls without stopping. Additionally, some motorists also intentionally cover, obstruct and deface license plates, or use fake temporary tags, or “temp tags,” to make it harder for cameras and license plate readers to identify the vehicles. Read more »

Peru – CVPH Donor Center Blood Drive, Monday, January 12, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at St. Augustine’s Parish Center, 3030 Main St. in Peru.

CVPH uses all blood collected in our local trl-county region.  St. Augustine’s Knights of Columbus Council 7273 coordinates Peru blood drives.  

Game schedule adjusted due to weather 

• 12 p.m. – Boquet Valley (Home) vs. Saranac (Girls)
• 2 p.m. – Willsboro (Home) vs. Saranac (Boys)
• 4 p.m. – Malone (Home) vs. Plattsburgh (Girls)
• 6 p.m. – Malone (Home) vs. Beekmantown (Boys)

• 12 p.m. – Saranac (Home) vs. Malone (Girls)
• 2 p.m. – Beekmantown (Home) vs. Willsboro (Boys)
• 4 p.m. – Plattsburgh (Home) vs. Boquet Valley (Girls)
• 6 p.m. – Saranac (Home) vs. Malone (Boys)

Plattsburgh, NY, News Release, December 26, 2025  Clinton County, NY – Clinton County has adopted its 2026 Operating Budget, marking another year of full compliance with the New York State property tax cap. Despite inflation, rising operational costs, and shifting state and federal mandates, the County successfully delivered a balanced budget without requiring a tax cap override.

Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (Chazy, Area 3-R) said remaining under the cap demonstrates Clinton County’s long-standing commitment to responsible governance. “Compliance with the tax cap is not accidental — it’s the product of consistent, conservative budgeting and a strong partnership between the Legislature and our department heads,” said Henry. “In an environment where costs are rising and mandates continue to grow, remaining under the tax cap demonstrates our accountability to the taxpayer and our determination to maintain stability without sacrificing essential services.”

County Administrator Christine Peters noted that achieving compliance this year required particularly close scrutiny. “Remaining under the tax cap in today’s economic environment is not easy,” said Peters. “It required a thorough, line-by-line review and significant effort by our department heads, who once again stepped up and worked hard to reduce costs while still protecting critical county services. Their dedication ensured we could meet our statutory requirements and maintain fiscal stability.”

Finance Committee Chair Rob Timmons (Peru, Area-10-R) highlighted the fiscal practices that allowed the County to stay within the cap. “We approach the budget each year with a long-term lens, knowing stability matters to both residents and the County’s financial health,” said Finance Chair Rob Timmons. “Staying under the tax cap required difficult decisions, but also careful planning, responsible use of reserves, and a collaborative effort across departments to identify savings without undermining service delivery.”

The County’s continued compliance strengthens its long-range financial position and reinforces Clinton County’s reputation for prudent, sustainable fiscal management.

Builds on the Governor’s Ongoing Efforts To Address the Youth Mental Health Crisis

Albany, NY – News Release of Dec. 26, 2025 – Governor Kathy Hochul negotiated a chapter amendment and signed legislation that will require social media platforms to display labels warning of the dangerous impact certain features can have on young users’ mental health. Legislation S4505/A5346, under the chapter amendment, requires social media platforms that offer addictive feeds, auto play or infinite scroll to post warning labels on their platforms. This legislation builds on the Governor’s ongoing efforts to address the youth mental health crisis statewide.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office, and that includes protecting our kids from the potential harms of social media features that encourage excessive use,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers deserve transparency. With the amount of information that can be shared online, it is essential that we prioritize mental health and take the steps necessary to ensure that people are aware of any potential risks.”

Recent studies show that adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of anxiety and depression. About half of adolescents claim that social media makes them feel worse about their bodies, and teenagers with the highest levels of social media use are nearly twice as likely to rate their overall mental health as poor or very poor.

Consumer warning labels are already found on a variety of different products, such as tobacco, where they communicate the health risk of cancer; plastic packaging, where they communicate the risk of suffocation for small children; certain high-sugar and sodium food products, where they communicate the risk of diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, heart disease, or stroke; alcohol, where they communicate the risk of birth defects during pregnancy as well as the dangers of driving while drunk; and video games and other types of media, where they communicate the risk of flashing lights for users with photosensitive epilepsy.

To combat the mental health risks of using harmful features of social media platforms that prolong use, this legislation will require social media companies to display warning labels on their platforms when a young user initially uses the predatory feature and periodically thereafter, based on continued use. Users will not be able to bypass or click through the warnings.

Assemblymember Nily Rozic said, “New York families deserve honesty about how social media platforms impact mental health. By requiring warning labels based on the latest medical research, this law puts public health first and finally gives us the tools we need to make informed decisions. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation alongside Senator Gounardes as part of our broader effort to create a safer digital environment for kids.”

Click here for the NJ.com story 

Tracking the year’s most popular wildlife stories

Click here for the Adirondack Explorer story