AB 2026 (Friedman)

OVERVIEW

AB 2026 will reduce single-use plastic packaging used in the e-commerce marketplace by phasing out certain single-use plastic packaging that is often added to goods for shipment of e-commerce purchases.

THE ISSUE

A large majority of shipping envelopes and packaging materials such as air pillows, bubble wrap, and packing peanuts are made of plastic. The vast majority of this plastic becomes waste after a package is opened and then pollutes the environment whether it is sent to landfills, burned or becomes litter.

Most municipal recycling programs in California do not accept shipping envelopes, plastic air pillows, bubble wrap or expanded polystyrene (including packing peanuts and molded foam). This plastic waste increases disposal costs for local communities, their residents and businesses, and has been found to harm marine life. In 2020, the U.S. generated 601.3 million pounds of plastic packaging waste from e-commerce.

Position: Supported by Californians Against Waste
Contact: Nicole Kurian

BILL SUMMARY

If successful, AB 2026 would phase out the use of plastic films, cushioning and other plastic packaging materials in California. This would include materials used for shipping in or into the state. This mandate would require large retailers to meet this mandate by January 1, 2024 and small online retailers to do the same by January 1, 2026.

Status: Dead. Held by Senate Appropriations Committee.
Current language, analysis, and votes:  AB 2026