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New York City could soon ban Tide PODS and other laundry-detergent packs under the latest “green” push from lawmakers.
The “Pods are Plastic Bill,” introduced by City Councilman James Gennaro last week, would make it illegal to sell any pods and laundry sheets if they’re made with polyvinyl alcohol.
Fines for selling the pods would start at $400, double for a second violation and top off at $1,200 for flouting the rules more than twice, if the bill becomes law. The bill would also require education and outreach to businesses on the ban for the first year.
The law wouldn’t take effect until Jan. 1, 2026, if passed.
Polyvinyl alcohol, or PVA, is used as a film in pods that dissolves in water during a wash cycle. But scientists counter that it breaks down into tiny microplastic pieces that still pollute waterways and slip through filtration systems.
About 19,000 tons of PVA are used each year in pods, with more than 8,000 tons being left untreated in US water, according to a 2021 study.
“They [PVAs] are the most concerning of emerging contaminants,” Gennaro told The 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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