A new bill in California aims to reduce plastic waste and pollution. The law requires that all packaging in California is recyclable or compostable by 2023. What’s more, CA is rolling out a state-wide recycling programme to increase recycling of single-use plastic to 65%. So what is the plastic problem and why do we need this bill?

The Plastic Problem

The US contributes to more plastic pollution than any other country in the world, recycling less than 10% of all plastic used. Each year, the US uses roughly a billion plastic bags. When you think about all of the plastic packaging, straws, water bottles and coffee cups that we throw out each day, it’s easy to see how plastic waste piles up.

The plastic waste that isn’t recycled gets sent to landfill. Plastics can take thousands of years to decompose. This means they take up a lot of space on our planet for a long time. Much of the plastic from landfill finds its way to the ocean, which is harmful to marine life.

Because plastic is not a natural material, it never fully decomposes. Instead, plastic waste breaks down into microplastics. Microplastic particles infiltrate water systems, and are harmful to both people and animals.

California alone spends $500 million each year cleaning plastic from its oceans, rivers and beaches.

Plastic Waste Bill SB 54

The new plastic waste bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom states that, by 2032, at least 65% of all plastic in the state of California must be recycled. Bringing businesses and environmental groups together, the bill aims to tackle the plastic problem at the source instead of focusing on individual consumers.

Companies producing or distributing plastic that is not recyclable may face c. The new plastic waste law will allow for fines of up to $50,000 per day for those not complying.

With this new plastic waste law, California is setting up a fund of $500 million per year to try to compensate for the plastic damage that has already been done. This will involve environmental projects to push forward for a greener USA.

What this means for your business

Whilst California is leading the US in its attempts to tackle the plastic problem, it’s likely that other states will follow suit. If your state issues a ban on non-recyclable plastic, you could face financial consequences for non-compliance. Thankfully, a wide range of available recyclable plastic products make it easy to fit the requirements of the new plastic waste law.

How can my company comply?

Small changes make a big difference. By switching from single-use to recyclable plastic bags, your stores will dramatically reduce the amount of non-recyclable plastic being distributed. Options such as Recycled RPET Bags are 100% recyclable. They’re also cost-effective and have the benefit of promoting brand loyalty.

Other ways to tackle the plastic waste problem include:

  • Restaurants and hospitality can switch single-use plastic straws for paper straws
  • Corporate settings can issue employees with reusable water bottles and coffee cups
  • Large events can give out recycled and recyclable freebies (e.g. pens)
  • Your business can implement recycling schemes