AB 2784 (Ting)

OVERVIEW

AB 2784 helps create a circular economy to produce, collect, recycle and reprocess postconsumer plastic thermoformed containers.

THE PROBLEM

For the past two decades, thermoform clamshells have contained the most California recycled content of any food packaging in the United States. But the recycled content consisted primarily of recycled plastic beverage containers.

As the beverage industry moves to increase their own recycled content to comply with AB 793 (Ting & Irwin), the thermoform industry needs to transition to recycling their own thermoform containers. California exports far more PET thermoform packaging out of state than what is sold and ultimately disposed of within the state. As a result, recycled content mandates must start at a lower rate than beverage bottles in AB 793 due to the large volume that is packed in the state and exported in the form of packaged goods.

There are approximately 200 million pounds of thermoform waste discarded every year in California and growing. The state currently has a low collection rate for the material. In order to encourage efficient use of recyclable plastics, this bill sets a minimum recycled content standard.

 

Assemblymember Ting

 
 

Position: Supported by Californians Against Waste
Contact: Mark Murray & Clara Vazeix

BILL SUMMARY

AB 2784 would establish a timeframe for minimum recycled content for plastic thermoform manufacturers as follows:

  • January 1, 2025 – 10% minimum content

  • January 1, 2028 – 20% minimum content

  • July 1, 2030 – 30% minimum content

Additionally, the bill will:

  • Establish reporting requirements;

  • Provide CalRecycle with enforcement and auditing authority;

  • Establishes a 20 cent penalty and $4 penalty for expanded polystyrene; and

  • Establish an antitrust provision.

Status: Vetoed by the Governor
Current language, analysis, and votes:  SB 2784