Washington passes the country’s strongest plastics policy
Washington state has become the new leader in moving America beyond plastic.
On April 19, the Washington Legislature passed America’s strongest plastic pollution reduction bill to date. The legislation bans expanded polystyrene packing peanuts, coolers and foodware; requires businesses to provide single-use utensils, cups and lids only when requested; and specifies minimum levels of post-consumer recycled content for plastic trash bags, beverage bottles and other items. Gov. Inslee signed it into law on May 17.
“Polystyrene foam containers are among the most common, harmful and non-recyclable plastic products on the market,” said Alex Truelove, PIRG’s Zero Waste campaign director. “Getting rid of foam and requiring other polluting products to be available only upon request will encourage less waste and more reuse.”
Washington is now the seventh state to ban polystyrene foam takeout containers.
Learn more about our campaigns to move America toward zero waste.
Urge Congress to pass nationwide plastics legislation
The federal Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act is our best chance to finally tackle our plastic waste crisis at the national level. Tell your U.S. representative: Support this crucial bill to move America beyond plastic.
Topics
Authors
Aaron Colonnese
Content Creator, Editorial & Creative Team, The Public Interest Network
Aaron writes and designs materials with the Creative Team for The Public Interest Network for U.S. PIRG. Aaron lives in Arlington, Massachusetts, and spends his spare time playing drums and going for long walks.
Find Out More
98% of plastic products are made with brand-new plastic. The REDUCE Act could change that.
Colorado becomes third state to approve ‘producer responsibility’ law to reduce packaging waste
California takes sweeping action to curb single-use plastic
