foam cooler discarded on the side of the road

Polystyrene Foam Ban

NEW Cold Storage Container Ban: As of January 1, 2026, no covered food service provider, manufacturer or store is allowed to sell, offer for sale, or distribute expanded polystyrene containers 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.

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Safe ice should be your number one consideration when heading out to go ice fishing. Check ice thickness frequently and keep in mind that ice thickness varies!

Read more about the public comment period and upcoming hearings on proposed permits for Micron’s $100 billion investment in New York.

Enjoy exclusive winter access to the preserved buildings of the former great camp. The 2026 Winter Weekend events will take place January 17–18; February 14–15; and March 14–15.

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Upcoming Events

Jan. 15, 2026 12:00 pm EST
Online / Virtual
Event Virtual Program: The Climate Friendly Kitchen - Reinstein Woods
Jan 15
Jan. 16, 2026 12:00 am EST
Event Brownfield Application - 375 Michigan Avenue Site (Buffalo) Comment Deadline
Jan 16
Jan. 16, 2026 12:00 am EST
Event Brownfield Application - United China & Decorating Company Site (Brooklyn) Comment Deadline
Jan 16
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Don't Be Salty New York

Excessive rock salt applications pose significant impacts to public health and the environment through contamination of surface water (lakes, ponds, rivers, streams), groundwater used for recreation and as sources of drinking water, as well as infrastructure failure because of excessive corrosion.

How You Can Reduce Salt Spreading for a Healthy Environment

  • Shovel what you can first. Removing snow and ice first helps reduce the amount of rock salt you’ll need.
  • Think twice before you start spreading rock salt. You only need 12 ounces to effectively melt snow and ice on a 20-foot driveway.
  • Know the temperature. Rock salt will not melt snow or ice below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

More tips at the Rock Salt Reduction webpage!

DEC offers exciting opportunities for those looking to make a difference in environmental protection and natural resource management.