Retail’s New Rulebook: Regulatory Changes Retailers Need to Know

THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTOR:
Tonya Read
Project Manager, Permitting and Compliance
APTIM | Environmental & Sustainability Solutions
Tonya.Read@APTIM.com
Tonya is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) with decades of experience helping industries strengthen their environmental, health, and safety practices. She is passionate about creating safer, more sustainable workplaces across a wide range of sectors.

 

Spotlighting Retail Regulatory Shifts

Ongoing regulatory changes continue to impact retail businesses. Staying informed is essential for ensuring compliance, risk mitigation, and maintaining a competitive edge in a dynamic marketplace. APTIM provides expert guidance to help businesses navigate evolving regulations and develop tailored compliance strategies to remain ahead of emerging requirements.

Six Regulatory Updates Affecting Retail Businesses

1. Illinois Battery Stewardship Act (SB 3686): Ensures proper recycling and disposal of lithium-ion and lithium-metal batteries to prevent environmental hazards; under this legislation, producers must participate in an approved battery stewardship plan by January 1, 2026, and retailers must comply with collection and labeling requirements by July 1, 2026, with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency responsible for overseeing the program, reviewing and approving plans, maintaining a public website, and providing technical assistance.

2. New York Polystyrene Ban (Article 27, Title 3003 & 3005): Extends the existing ban on expanded polystyrene foam packaging, changing the expiration date from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2030. The existing ban on food containers will remain in effect, with additional restrictions on non-encased polystyrene containers beginning January 1, 2026. Exemptions for prepackaged food and medical storage will apply, and waivers may also be granted if a covered food service provider demonstrates there are no alternative products.

3. Illinois Paint Stewardship Act (SB 0836): Regulates the disposal of household and commercial paint waste by designating paint and related materials as Universal Waste. This requires manufactures or representative organizations selling architectural paint in the state to submit a plan for postconsumer paint stewardship program, including provisions for paint from households and small businesses. Under this legislation, manufactures or retailers may not sell architectural paint in Illinois unless they are implementing an approved stewardship plan. Incineration of leftover paint collected through the program is prohibited. The postconsumer collection plan must be implemented within six months of the plan’s approval.

4. Colorado Producer Responsibility Act (COCR 1007-2, Part 1, Section 18): Aims to increase Colorado’s recycling rate from 25% to 41% by 2023 and promote the use of more sustainable packaging materials. Under this legislation, producers are required to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) by October 1, 2024, or they may choose to develop an Individual Producer Plan (IPP). If a producer opts for an IPP, it must be submitted on an annual basis. All packaging materials must comply with recyclability requirements.

5. New York Retail Worker Safety Act (Labor Law Article 3, Section 27-E): Improves workplace violence prevention measures for retail employees through the development of workplace violence prevention programs. Employers with ten or more retail employees are required to implement a written workplace violence prevention plan. Retailers employing 500 or more must install silent response buttons by January 1, 2027. The law also mandates annual training for retail workers, including de-escalation techniques and active shooter response preparedness.

6. New York Warehouse Worker Protection Act (Labor Law Article 21-A): Reduces musculoskeletal injuries among warehouse workers through the implementation of a comprehensive injury reduction program. As part of the law’s requirements, employers must conduct worksite evaluations by June 1, 2025. Identified risks must be addressed and corrected to ensure a safer working environment. The legislation provides protections from employees who report injuries or raise safety concerns, safeguarding them from retaliation.

Navigating the latest regulations doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right support, you can stay compliant, reduce risk, and keep your business moving forward. Whether you need support understanding emerging legislation or developing a proactive compliance plan, APTIM is here to help.

Contact RegulatoryReview@APTIM.com to learn how our team of experts can guide your business through existing requirements and prepare you for what’s next.

Published April 2025