plastic recycling challenges
Credit: David/Flickr

California confronts plastic recycling challenges under new law

A recent report challenges California's approach to plastic recycling, citing concerns over illegal exports and the state's "Truth in Labeling" law.

James Bruggers reports for Inside Climate News.


In short:

  • California's recycling law, aimed at accurate recyclability claims, faces scrutiny for potentially allowing misleading labels and illegal plastic waste exports.
  • Environmental groups criticize the state's preliminary data, arguing it could mislead consumers and exacerbate plastic pollution.
  • The controversy highlights the complex issues surrounding plastic recycling, including contamination and the global trade in waste.

Key quote:

"As a state, California is still misleading its own citizens and the world when it comes to pretending to be able to recycle most of our plastic wastes."

— Jan Dell, founder of The Last Beach Cleanup.

Why this matters:

With only 6% of plastics recycled nationally, the failure to manage plastic waste has a detrimental affect on global health and environmental sustainability. Every stage of plastic production and use is harming human health.

U.S. Steel Pennsylvania pollution
Credit: Kristina Marusic for EHN

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