[GRRN] Recycled content for plastic containers

John Reindl (reindl@co.dane.wi.us)
Wed, 26 May 1999 09:52:29 -0600


In response to the following edited message:
>
> 1. Glass is only 2% of waste stream by volume. and it is shrinking --
> plastics are inevitable.
>
> 2. May I suggest that the environmental comunity might get farther if they
> back away from the refillables issue for the U.S. ss.
>
> What is needed is a LARGE market PULL for all kinds of plastics.
>

I agree with the need for a large market pull for plastics. To this end, two
Wisconsin Legislators yesterday announced the introduction of
legislation to increase and improve Wisconsin's law to require recycled
content in plastic containers. The legislation does four things:

1. It increases the requirement from the current rate of 10%
recycled content to 25% by 2005.

2. It requires that the recycled content be post-consumer, and
removes the ability to use pre or post-industrial scrap.

3. If modifies an exemption for food content containers to permit an
exemption only if the FDA prohibits the use of recycled content.

4. It increases the fines for violations.

Wisconsin welcomes other states to introduce and adopt similar
legislation. The more states that join together, both the easier it will be to
get this legislation enacted and the more effect it will be to expand
markets.

If you would like, we can share the actual legislation as soon as it is
formally introduced.

John Reindl, Recycling Manager
Dane County, WI

reindl@co.dane.wi.us
(608)267-1533 - fax
(608)267-8815 - phone