This past week, California Gov. Gavin Newsome, signed legislation intended to reduce accumulation of waste plastic in landfills and waterways.  SB343 limits the use of the recycle logo to products that can practically and realistically be recycled.  The law extends the Truth and Environment Advertising Act.  The sponsor of the bill, Senator Ben Allen, commented “Consumers are being misled by the placement of the recycling symbol on items that aren’t actually recyclable under real-word conditions.”  He added, “This measure will reduce contamination in the recycling stream and improve the sorting process, which translates to savings for ratepayers and local governments.” 

SB343 empowers CalRecycle to develop a classification of plastic materials that can be labeled recyclable until January 1st 2024.  Requirements are that the product must be collected in a curbside program, can be sorted into a defined stream, and can be reclaimed at an appropriate facility.

AB881 will allow export of only truly recyclable plastics to prevent accumulation of waste.

AB1201 reinforces labeling requirements with respect to the term  “compostable” to exclude potentially long-lived plastics and degradation products from compost that may be used in gardens and public parks.

Currently egg packing material including polystyrene and PET that in theory can be recycled, may be in conflict with California statutes unless appropriate collection, sorting, and chemical recycling plants available.