OLYMPIA, Wash.-New Washington Department of Ecology regulations are aiming to decrease the amount of plastic that ends up as litter or in landfills by increasing the amount of plastic that gets recycled and reused to make new plastic packaging.
“You don’t have to look very hard to see that we have a plastic problem – plastic containers are among the most common items we find in roadside litter,” said Ecology Director Laura Watson
Plastic bottles, containers and other packaging are some of the most common litter items across the state and the new DOE regulations will require companies that sell drinks, milk, wine, trash bags, personal care products, and household cleaners to include more recycled plastic in their packaging.
According to Ecology, the new regulations have been in effect since January, with companies that make trash bags and beverage containers being required to make their products with at least 10% and 15% recycled content.
The requirements gradually increase over the next 12 years, and expand to include plastic packaging for other common products with the goal of having most plastic packaging contain at least 50% recycled product by 2036.
“Using recycled plastic to make new products is the sustainable thing to do, and it cuts down on harmful greenhouse gas emissions,” said Peter Lyon, manager of Ecology’s Solid Waste Management program.
