State Kicks Off Progressive Plastic Bag Recycling Program: New law makes it easier for consumers to recycle their plastic bags, July 2, 2007, Press Release

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California Integrated Waste Management Board

State Kicks Off Progressive Plastic Bag Recycling Program: New law makes it easier for consumers to recycle their plastic bags

SACRAMENTO--Starting July 1, California consumers will find it easier than ever to do the right thing with all those plastic grocery bags. New legislation now requires that most grocers and pharmacies provide bins for the collection and recycling of plastic bags brought back by customers to generate greater markets for the use of recycled plastic bags as well as eliminate the havoc caused by plastic bag litter.

"Plastic grocery bags have long been a source of litter and debris that has plagued California," said Margo Reid Brown, Chair for the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB). "The California Integrated Waste Management Board applauds the efforts of industry and retailers to promote the recycling of plastic grocery bags and promote increase usage of reusable bags."

Margo Reid Brown, Chair for the California Integrated Waste Management Board speaks at plastic grocery bags recycling event.

The new California law, AB 2449, sponsored by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (D–Van Nuys) requires certain grocery stores and retail pharmacies with more than 10,000 square feet of retail space to provide at-store recycling programs for plastic carryout bags. In addition, the Plastic Bag Recycling Act of 2006 requires that certain grocers and pharmacies provide bins for the collection of plastic bags brought back by customers for recycling. Grocery stores and retail pharmacies are responsible for the collection, transportation and recycling of plastic carryout bags returned to their stores.

The author of the new law, AB 2449, Assembly Member Lloyd Levine, said, "Despite the huge advances that we have made in keeping recyclables from our landfills, California still lacks the infrastructure necessary to collect and recycle the 19 billion plastic bags it uses. Right now our plastic bags end up in landfills or destroying the ecosystem of our oceans. With AB 2449 in place, it will make it easier for the consumer to help create a recycling market in California. However, this program only works if everyone helps to educate the public that their bags need to return to the stores."

The effort is being hailed by plastic-bag manufacturers, who say the recycling effort is reducing a glut of bags and providing a reservoir of plastic to remanufacture into other products. For example, recycled bags are melded with wood shavings to make weather-resistant lumber products.

Stack of new plastic grocery bags can be returned to the store for recycling.

"The bag manufacturing industry is partnering with the retail community to develop practical solutions for recycling in California communities and around the nation," said Isaac Bazbaz, chairman of the Progressive Bag Alliance. "California has set the stage with landmark legislation that we believe could be an example for voluntary programs in other states and the public will have a golden opportunity to make this plastic bag recycling program the standard for the nation."

If the numbers are any indication, it's apparent we prefer plastic in California when it comes to shopping bags. In fact, we generate 600 plastic bags every second in this state. And sadly, we only recycle less than 5 percent of all plastic carryout bags.

As consumers in California, we stuff our groceries and merchandise into an estimated 19 billion plastic retail carryout bags annually. However, these bags now constitute an environmental waste challenge of ever-expanding proportions. We throw out 294 million pounds of plastic bags every year, enough bags to encircle the Earth 250 times. Cutting this waste in half would reduce our oil consumption by more than 2,000 barrels a day and keep out 73,000 tons of rubbish out of landfills.

Grocery employee helps customer to her vehicle; she chose sturdy reusable bags instead of plastic for her groceries.

While many grocers and retailers have already begun voluntary programs and have provided reusable bags, this new requirement will ensure consumers have an easy and convenient way to do the right thing with their plastic bags and provide them reusable bags to purchase within the store, a preferred choice of the Integrated Waste Management Board's mission in reducing waste by reusing where possible.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board is the state's leading authority on recycling and waste reduction. It promotes reducing waste whenever possible, managing all materials to their highest and best use and protecting public health and safety and the environment. For more information go to: http://zerowaste.ca.gov.