Page 40 - Plastics News August 2019

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

US lawmakers propose legislative proposal for Plastics recycling

awmakers are bringing deposit requirements and other sources would go toward
Lplastics recycling pollution reduction, remediation programs and innovation
to the federal level with UHVHDUFK &OHDQ &LWLHV 3URJUDP
a legislative proposal that
includes a national bottle
bill and extended producer In Indonesia, a court victory for
responsibility.Sen. Tom Udall,
D-N.M., and U.S. Rep. Alan Bali’s ban on single-use plastics
Lowenthal, D-California., are
proposing national extended ban on single-use plastics on the Indonesian island
producer responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging, Aof Bali will stay in place, after the country’s top
minimum recycled-content mandates for certain court rejected a challenge by the plastic-recycling
materials, a nationwide container deposit and more. Last industry, Indonesian Plastic Recyclers Association. The
week, they released an outline of legislation they plan Bali provincial government rolled out regulation last
to introduce later this year. The upcoming legislation — December calling for a prohibition on the use of plastic
ZKLFK DLPV WR SUHYHQW SODVWLF SROOXWLRQ IURP FRQVXPHU bags, straws and Styrofoam, in an effort to combat
products from getting into animal & human food-chains, WKH SODVWLF ZDVWH OLWWHULQJ :KLOH WKH EDQ ZDV ZLGHO\
landscapes, and waterways across the United States welcomed, the Indonesian Plastic Recyclers Association
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measures, including: Extended producer responsibility Court, arguing the policy would harm manufacturers
(EPR). As a condition of sale, producers will be required and recyclers of single-use plastics, as well as the
WR GHVLJQ PDQDJH DQG ÀQDQFH HQG RI OLIH SURJUDPV IRU trash pickers who make a living from scavenging plastic
products and packaging. Industry will also be incentivized waste. The association branded the ban discriminatory
to develop more sustainable alternatives. Nationwide and a violation of human rights. However, it was
container deposit requirements. Non-refunded deposits rejected. The Supreme Court said the ban, which
would go into a federal fund to assist with collection came into effect on July 2, did not violate Indonesian
infrastructure. Major beverage retailers would be required laws. Environmentalists have welcomed the ruling,
to install and operate reverse vending systems to promote calling it a positive
container collection. precedent for other

Carryout bag fee. The fee would be deposited into a local governments
federal fund. Single-use plastic bans. The ban would dealing with a
apply to items such as expanded polystyrene, bags, cups, plastic waste
lids, cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws, packaging and problem and
stirrers. Exceptions will be made for individuals with considering issuing
disabilities until adequate alternatives are developed. their own bans on
Labeling requirements. Plastic consumer products would single-use plastics.
require clear, standardized labeling indicating correct Bali generates 1.6
disposal method. Awareness-raising measures. States million tonnes of
would be encouraged to educate consumers on the waste a year, nearly
impact of single-use plastics as well as available reuse D ÀIWK RI ZKLFK LV SODVWLF DFFRUGLQJ WR UHFHQW UHVHDUFK
systems and waste management options. Recycling by the provincial government. Some 33,000 tonnes of
targets. Standardized single-use plastic bottle collection plastic ends up in the island’s waterways and seas every
targets would be established for states and communities. year.In justifying the ban, Balinese authorities say that
A requirement would also be set for bottles, packaging plastic bags, straws and Styrofoam can’t be recycled
and other products to be made from 100% recyclable in an economically feasible way, and that trash pickers
materials. Federal waste reduction assistance. Proceeds typically don’t even collect these kinds of plastics to
from a federal fund, carry-out bag fees, unused container sell to recycling facilities.

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