Key Takeaways:
– California Governor Gavin Newsom signs a new law aiming to close a loophole enabling an increase in plastic bag waste.
– The legislation takes effect from January 1, 2026, focusing primarily on checkout bags and outlining adjustments regarding the definition of a recycled paper bag from January 1, 2028.
– While various environmental bodies laud the move, the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance voices disappointment, likening the bill to ineffective legislation elsewhere.
In a strategic move towards lowering plastic pollution, California Governor Gavin Newsom inked into law a crucial bill focused on curtailing plastic bag waste. The legislation aims to seal a legal gap that has spawned an unforeseen rise in plastic waste in the Golden State, negating the effects of a similar law passed in 2014.
Ongoing Battle Against Plastic Pollution
Almost a decade ago, Californians concurred on the necessity to suppress the spread of plastic grocery bags in a bid to shield our environment from their nuisance, according to Jenn Engstrom, the state director of CALPIRG, a consumer advocacy group. However, the earlier law was largely ineffective because of its loopholes and hence mandated a significant overhaul. Engstrom applauded the Governor’s proactive response, noting that these amendments can now deliver on the intended outcome — banishing plastic bags from grocery checkout lanes.
The initial legislature of 2014 put a moratorium on single-use plastic bags at grocery store checkout areas and other retail outlets. Despite this ban, it did permit stores to offer ‘reusable’ bags to shoppers at a minimal cost. These alternatives included paper bags and high-density polyethylene bags, which manufacturers argued were re-usable and less harmful.
Surge in Plastic Bag Waste Reflects Law’s Loopholes
The report by CALPIRG published this year shockingly revealed that California’s plastic bag waste had significantly swelled since the 2014 law’s enactment, opposing the legislation’s fundamental purpose. Detailed numerical data showed the state’s plastic bag refuse escalated by a staggering 47%. The figures surged from 157,385 tons in 2014 to 231,072 tons in 2021 — a glaring testimony of the law’s shortcomings.
Even when adjusting for population increase, the hike in waste was notable, rising from 4.08 tons per 1,000 people in 2014 to 5.89 tons per 1,000 people in 2021.
Focusing on Checkout Bags
The fresh regulations become enforceable from January 1, 2026, and emphasize checkout bags. These rules exclude those bags designed for produce or for wrapping food items like meat, which could potentially cause contamination. Additionally, according to the revised rules effective from January 1, 2028, a recycled paper bag will refer to one consisting of more than 50% recycled material, up from the current 40%.
Christy Leavitt, Oceana’s plastics campaign director, envisions the move as an important push towards confronting the global plastic pollution crisis. “Plastic bags pose one of the gravest threats to oceanic fauna and cause severe, long-lasting environmental damage,” Leavitt added.
Mixed Reactions
While various bodies hailed the bill, the American Recyclable Plastic Bag Alliance was disappointed with the decision. Executive director Erin Hass likened the bill to ineffective legislation in states like New Jersey and countries like Canada which ultimately led to an upsurge in imported non-recyclable plastic-cloth bags.
Interestingly, Governor Newsom also vetoed AB 2214 aimed at combating microplastic pollution, stating current measures adequately address and track the issue, and additional legislative action was “premature.”
Source: www.latimes.com