Summary.
AB 904 aims to reduce a primary source of permanent litter and marine debris and increase the diversion of single-use takeout food packaging by requiring that takeout food packaging from fast-food restaurants be made only from recyclable or compostable materials.
Position and Status.
CAW Supports. AB 904 passed out of Sen. E.Q. committee June 23 with a 5-2 vote and now heads to Sen. Approps. Previously, AB 904 passed out of the Assembly Jan 29, 2008 42-28 and will next be heard in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. Previously, AB 904 passed out of Asm. Appropriations Committee May 31 and out of the Asm. Nat. Resources Committee on a 5-3 vote on April 23.
Description.
AB 904 tackles single-use, unrecyclable plastic
fastfood packaging, a significant component of
marine debris. Takeout food packaging comprises a disproportionately large portion of litter and non-recyclable waste. Analyses suggest that the fast food sector generates roughly 4 million tons of waste in California annually. There is currently virtually no recycling of polystyrene and most other plastic take-out food packaging. The cost to California local governments and ratepayers for collecting and disposing of Fast Food Sector waste is as much as $600 million annually. Takeout food packaging has been found to be second greatest component of litter (behind tobacco products), comprising 20-30% of all litter. AB 904 proposes to address the problem of takeout food packaging litter and waste by:
- Requiring takeout food distributors to utilize packaging that is compatible with the recycling and composting options available
- Creating incentives for packaging manufacturers to design for the environment and support the development of infrastructure and markets for the recycling or their products
CAW Staff Contacts.
Mark Murray and Bryan Early (916) 443-5422
Current Actions.
Letters in support of AB 904 are needed for its upcoming Senate Environmental Quality Committee hearing and should be addressed to Senator Joe Simitian, Sen EQ Chair (fx: 916-322-3519). Please CC CAW (fx: 916-443-3912) and the author:
Assembly Member Mike Feuer
State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814
fx: 916-319-2142
Sample Individual Letter
Sample Group Letter
Media.
Supporters.
Californians Against Waste (Sponsor)
Environment California
Heal the Bay
City of Los Angeles
Algalita Marine Research Foundation
Alameda County Waste Management Authority
Baykeeper
California Alliance for Consumer Protection
California League of Conservation Voters
Cereplast
City of Santa Cruz Public Works Department
Coastkeeper Alliance
Defenders of Wildlife
End Oil
EnPo Environmental Powered Recycling
Newport Beach Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation
Ocean Conservation Society
Planning and Conservation League
Santa Monica Baykeeper
San Luis Obispo County Integrated Waste Management Authority
Sierra Club California
Breast Cancer Fund
CalCoast
California Alliance for Consumer Protection
Natural Resources Defense Council
Ocean Conservation Society
Opposition.
American Chemistry Council
California Chamber of Commerce
California Grocers Association
California Hotel and Lodging Association
California Manufacturers and Technology Association
California Retailers Association
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Dart Container Corporation
Dolco Packaging
Grocery Manufacturers Association/Food Products Association
Pactive
Total Petrochemical USA, Inc.
Western Fairs Association
Current Language, Analyses and Votes.
Additional Resources:
