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Tag Archives: legislation

EPA hears divergent opinions on chemical recycling

Published: April 7, 2021
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Plastic baled for recycling.

The U.S. EPA is considering changing the calculation methodology for determining the nation’s recycling rate. | Rokas Tenys/Shutterstock

If a process breaks down scrap plastics into chemicals that are later used to make new plastic, should the federal government consider that “recycling?” What if the end product is a fuel that is combusted?

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Chemical recycling now at the center of national plastics debate

Published: March 31, 2021
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View of the U.S. capitol building in Washington, D.C. with trees and street activity.

Chemical recycling processes are specifically excluded from the definition of “recycling” under the recently introduced Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. | Andriy Blokhin/Shutterstock

Legislation that makes sweeping changes to the U.S. plastics recycling system generated quick opposition from industry groups, with plastics industry representatives focused on the bill’s treatment of certain materials recovery processes.

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Can this deposit-like system fly in Texas?

Published: March 31, 2021
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Crews remove plastic litter from Hunting Bayou in the Houston area.

Crews remove plastic litter from Hunting Bayou in the Houston area. | Courtesy of Texans for Clean Water

Legislation being considered in Texas would create a program injecting tens of millions of dollars into the recycling system each year while also paying consumers to return plastic bottles, cups and film.

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Federal plastics proposal returns this week

Published: March 24, 2021
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U.S. Capitol with reflecting pond in foreground.

Legislation to be reintroduced will include provisions for a national bottle bill and a ban on certain single-use plastic items. | S-F/Shutterstock

Two members of Congress will revive the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which includes a national container deposit system and other sweeping changes. Representatives from the plastics industry have countered the push.

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Expansive EPR proposal is back in play in California

Published: March 17, 2021
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Pile of mixed single use plastics.

California Assembly Bill 842 requires that by 2035, all single-use plastic packaging and products distributed in California include 75% post-consumer recycled content. | Kanittha Boon/Shutterstock

California legislators introduced a bill that creates a packaging stewardship organization and adds packaging fees paid by producers. The bill is the latest in a flurry of plastics-related legislative activity in the state.

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State lawmaker wants to clamp down on scrap plastic exports

Published: March 17, 2021
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Aerial view of the California state capitol building in Sacramento.

A recently introduced joint resolution in California calls on the Biden administration to ratify the Basel Convention. | cmshepard/Shutterstock

A California legislator says U.S. ratification of the Basel Convention would build up domestic processing infrastructure, reduce negative impacts from exports, and create jobs in this country. At least one large reclaimer supports the move.

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Recycling policy continues to churn in statehouses

Published: February 17, 2021
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curbside carts

Massachusetts is the latest state to propose extended producer responsibility for packaging, the largest component of the residential recycling stream. | Thanatos Media/Shutterstock

An expansive packaging stewardship proposal was recently introduced in Massachusetts. Meanwhile, a bill providing state assistance to bolster recycling markets has cleared both legislative chambers in Maryland.

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State lawmakers nationwide begin coordinated push for EPR

Published: February 3, 2021
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Oregon state capitol building.

Lawmakers in Oregon have joined those in eight other states for a coordinated effort around the country to advocate for EPR policies. | Nadia Yong/Shutterstock

Legislators in nine states spanning the U.S. will collaborate to push extended producer responsibility policies for plastic packaging. They said their joint actions will carry more weight than a single legislative effort.

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Congress passes more PPP aid for businesses

Published: December 23, 2020
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U.S. Capitol building with sky and clouds.

The latest bill includes $284 billion for the Paycheck Protection Program. | Dennis Diatel/Shutterstock

Congress sent President Trump a spending bill that includes $900 billion in coronavirus-related relief aid, with nearly one-third of the money dedicated to small business assistance.

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