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California:
Leading the Nation & World in Zero Waste Policymaking
October 5th was a landmark day for the State of California. By his signature, Governor Gavin Newsom enacted numerous new laws that move California closer to its Zero Waste & Sustainability goals. California has long been setting policies for Zero Waste & Sustainability that other states and nations mirror. The new laws, as reported by Californians Against Waste, include:
SB 343 (Allen) brings “truth in labeling” to many plastic and packaging products. After a phase-in period, manufacturers will no longer be allowed to put the “chasing arrows”, or recycling symbol, on items that aren’t actually recyclable in the real world.
AB 881 (Gonzalez) helps the state accurately measure how much plastic actually gets recycled. Often, unused exported plastic waste is illegally dumped, landfilled, or incinerated in vulnerable, impoverished countries. This bill prohibits plastic waste exports to other countries counted as being recycled.
AB 962 (Kamlager) allows the easier reuse of glass bottles by brewers, which responds to business and consumer preferences by reducing the need for single-use beverage containers.
AB 1201 (Ting) updates labeling for compostable products. Among other requirements, AB 1201 requires compostable products to break down in real-life composting conditions, bans toxic PFAS “forever chemicals,” and puts the onus on manufacturers to ensure that their products don’t contaminate organic agriculture.
AB 1276 (Carrillo) reduces plastic foodware waste by giving takeout customers only what they want: single-use foodware may only be provided upon request.
These new legislative measures are layered, dynamic, and complex. It’s the right time for everyone in Zero Waste & Sustainability to take the time needed to learn about these recently added laws and... AB 939, SB 1383, AB 2020, and SB 5.
This online seminar will help all of us get clarity!
So save the date, Friday, November 12, to attend Understanding California Legislation & Programs for Sustainable Resource Management with Angela Vincent, a municipal Zero Waste specialist and former legislative manager with CalRecycle. Don’t miss this important online seminar that will surely be a cornerstone to your current position and career advancement in Zero Waste & Sustainability.
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