California's new plastic recycling rules spark fights from all sides

California finalized sweeping regulations requiring plastic packaging producers to make all packaging recyclable or compostable by 2032. The deadline is described as the most ambitious in the country, but advocates say it does not go far enough. Producers say the rules go too far because some plastic packaging, such as clamshell containers for berries, has no clear substitute that preserves food quality. Environmental groups plan to sue, arguing the rules violate law by permitting recycling methods that generate significant toxic waste and by allowing some plastics to bypass the requirements. The law’s author calls it a major step despite imperfections and compromise. Others warn the situation reflects global trends and the need for adaptation to remain competitive.

"California just gave plastic producers until 2032 to make all their packaging recyclable or compostable — the most ambitious deadline in the country. Advocates say it doesn't go far enough. Producers say it goes too far. At least one of them is threatening to sue. The sweeping regulations, finalized at the start of the month, put producers in a bind that has no obvious solution."

"Plastic clamshell containers, for instance, protect berries from being crushed and keep them fresher, longer until they reach a refrigerator. Plastic producers say there's simply no substitute yet under the new rules, they'll have to find one. Last week, two environmental groups the Natural Resources Defense Council and Californians Against Waste said they plan to take California to court."

"Their argument: the state's rules actually break the law by allowing recycling methods that create a lot of toxic waste, and by letting some plastics slip through the rules entirely. On the other side, plastic manufacturers say the rules go too far and will make products more expensive for shoppers. Sen. Ben Allen, a Democrat from coastal Los Angeles County who authored the plastic waste law, said the program still massively moves the needle on this really major problem even if the process was messy."

"This was the product of a compromise, and it was not perfect, and everybody walked away from the table, you know, unhappy about various aspects, Allen said. California is the United States, but 30 years in the future, said Joe Arvai, director of the University of Southern California's Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies. What's happening now is emblematic of trends that we are seeing worldwide and the U.S. needs to adapt in the way that those countries are adapting in order to remain globally competitive."

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