On February 12, 2020, four U.S. representatives and senators introduced a bill intended to be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill would amend the existing
Solid Waste Disposal Act
to restrict the production and use of single-use plastics, strengthen producer responsibility, and prevent consumer goods and packaging from entering the environment and the food chain. The bill is titled the
Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2020
.
The bill includes five “groundbreaking” provisions:
(I) Manufacturers will be responsible for designing and funding the associated costs of recycling systems.
(II) Implementation of a national container deposit refund system.
(III) The phase-out of highly polluting single-use plastic products, including plastic bags, polystyrene containers, and utensils.
(IV) A gradual increase in the minimum recycled content of products, aiming to reach an 80% target by 2040.
(V) A maximum ban on the export of waste to foreign countries.
Eco-Friendly Alternatives
For single-use plastic bags, polystyrene containers, and single-use plastic utensils, we recommend bagasse pulp tableware, paper cups, paper straws, CPLA cutlery, paper bags, and more. Bagasse tableware, in particular, is compostable and biodegradable, making it an environmentally friendly disposable alternative.
We also offer other eco-friendly food packaging solutions. Please feel free to contact us for more information.
