Plastics Information and Resources

Priority Programs and Initiatives

The CIWMB is actively working toward developing more comprehensive solutions for managing plastic materials, and to mitigate for the adverse environmental impacts associated with plastic discards by effectively implementing its mandatory plastic programs and activities, as well as spearheading initiatives to develop new ideas and solutions.

Degradable Plastics Study

A study on degradable plastics was begun in June 2005. This project broadened the types of materials tested in the compostables study to degradable products (those not specifically designed to degrade in a compost facility per ASTM standard specifications) that are commercially available in California. More information on compostable and degradable plastics...

Plastic Film Recycling Initiative

The CIWMB has identified the need for increased collection and recycling of plastic film and plastic containers as a priority, and is inviting local governments, companies, organizations, and individuals to participate in developing cooperative, focused efforts by joining proposed workgroups, and/or by committing to begin or expand activities involving increased collection and recycling of plastics. More information on the Plastic Film Recycling Initiative...

Mandated Programs

Plastic Trash Bags
All manufacturers and wholesalers of regulated (thickness of 0.7 mil or greater) plastic trash bags sold in California must annually submit a certification to the CIWMB. The goal is to increase the use of recycled plastic in trash bags.

In their annual submittal, plastic trash bag manufacturers and wholesalers must certify that either: (1) their regulated trash bags were manufactured with 10 percent or more postconsumer material, or (2) they used 30 percent postconsumer material in all of their plastic products not subject to compliance with the Rigid Plastic Packaging Container or other minimum-content law; or (3) must demonstrate that there was an insufficient quality and/or quantity of postconsumer materials to satisfy the 10 or 30 percent standards.
More on the plastic trash bag program...

Rigid Plastic Packaging Containers
State law, originally enacted in 1991, requires that companies whose products are sold or offered for sale (either directly or indirectly) in California, which are held in rigid plastic packaging containers (RPPC), must conform with specified container requirements. California’s RPPC law supports new and expanded infrastructures for collecting and recycling plastic resins in California and around the world. The law diverts plastics from disposal in California landfills by supporting demand for postconsumer material, which in turn encourages recyclers to divert more material that would otherwise go to landfills. More on the Rigid Plastic Packaging Container program...

Last updated: March 24, 2008