Californians Against Waste
Thursday May 23, 2013
Hot Issues
California's Bottle & Can Recycling Law - The Bottle Bill
Update: Assembly Member Gordon introduces legislation to add all beverage container types to Bottle Bill Program.
California's Bottle Bill is one of the nation's most successful litter and pollution reduction programs. Since 1988, Californians have recycled more than 10 million tons of aluminum, glass and plastic beverage containers. No other recycling program or policy in this state has resulted in higher recycling levels, and no program of its kind in the country has been found to be more cost effective.
While the latest CA Beverage Container Recycling Rates show continued high--82% overall—container recycling rates, the picture is less rosy for Plastic Beverage Containers.
Current ‘loopholes’ in the beverage container recycling law means more than 250 million recyclable plastic bottles remain exempt from the program. This means more than 350,000 tons of plastic containers continue to be littered and landfilled at the same time that California-based plastic processors are struggling to get a sufficient supply of recycled plastic to meet manufacturer demand. Increasing the use of recycled plastic in California manufacturing means both jobs and reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions.
Take Action
Take Action On Single-Use Plastic Bag and Polystyrene Ordinances
The problem of plastic litter is only growing. Plastic is the fastest-growing component of the waste stream, and plastic pollution like expanded polystyrene (eps) and single-use bags are among the most commonly found items during beach and coastal cleanups. Because plastic essentially never biodegrades, once littered plastic becomes a permanent environmental problem.
The solution is clear: highly-littered plastic items like plastic bags and polystyrene food packaging need to be banned. Californians should reduce their use of disposable packaging. Find out more about our Campaign to End Single Use Plastic Bags and other plastic litter.
Our Top Priority Legislation
AB 1001 (Gordon) - Bottle Bill Modernization
Summary.
AB 1001 would expand the Bottle Bill program to include all beverage container types, while also reducing program inefficiencies and administrative costs.
Position and Status.
CAW supports. AB 1001 passed out of policy committee on April 29 by a 6-3 vote. It now moves to fiscal committee.
SB 405 (Padilla) Single Use Carryout Bags
Summary
Prohibits stores from distributing single use plastic bags and allows the sale of reusable, paper, and (in certain jurisdictions) compostable plastic bags.
Position and Status
CAW Supports. Headed to Senate Floor for vote. Passed Senate Appropriations on 5/23 4-3. Previously passed Senate EQ Committee on 4/17, 5-3.
AB 323 (Chesbro) - Organics Recycling
Summary.
AB 323 presents a package of policies that will drive the recycling of yard trimming and food scraps, not only resulting in a reduction of pollution and greenhouse gases, but also creating jobs and supporting a burgeoning industry.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. 323 passed out of policy committee on April 29 by a 6-3 vote. The next stop for the bill is Assembly Appropriations.
Californians Against Waste is recognized as one of the nation's leading non-profit environmental research and advocacy organizations focusing on resource conservation and pollution prevention through waste reduction and recycling. The organization's 35 year history and track record of accomplishments has demonstrated it to be principled, practical, creative and effective. Find out more about CAW.
