AB 904 (Feuer, 2007-08) Plastic and Marine Debris Reduction

Summary. 
AB 904 aimed 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 Supported. AB 904 was held by the Senate Appropriations committee. Previously, AB 904 passed out of Sen. E.Q. committee June 23 with a 5-2 vote, passed out of the Assembly Jan 29 42-28, passed out of Asm. Appropriations Committee May 31 2007 and out of the Asm. Nat. Resources Committee on a 5-3 vote on April 23 2007.

Description.

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 proposed 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 and by 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.
No current actions on this bill.

Assembly Member Mike Feuer 
State Capitol, Sacramento, CA 95814

 

Media.

Mar 27, 2007 - "Legislation Targets Trash Threat to Marine Wildlife" (North County Times)

Mar 2, 2007 - "California Lawmaker Wants to Ban Styrofoam" (CBS Sacramento)

Mar 1, 2007 - "Restaurant Owners Fire Back At Anti-Styrofoam, Plastic Bill" (NBC SF)

Feb 22, 2007 - "Feuer Introduces Ocean Debris Bill" (California Chronicle)

    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.