And repealed or watered down state recycling mandates-such as Florida's repealed advance disposal fee and the waiver of food and cosmetics packages from Oregon and California's rigid plastic container laws-haven't helped recyclers. In California, the problem was exacerbated by the recent controversial decision of that state's waste board to accept a 1995 recycling rate over 25%, which relieves packagers from meeting tough mandates. Environmental groups and state and local officials charge that the plastics industry has backed away from its recycling commitment. If problems persist, legislators may be tempted to consider more mandates, such as recycled content of product or packaging, recycling rates or placing more responsibility on manufacturers for recycling and solid waste management. Some form of package-related mandate legislation is expected to be introduced in a number of states this year.
More mandates?
A downturn in plastics recycling markets could signal trouble for packagers. Some companies have stopped buying recycled plastics, inhibiting an already underdeveloped plastics recycling infrastructure.
Feb 28, 1997
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