2021 state waste and recycling policy highlights
In 2021, legislative activity on waste and recycling policies in U.S. states was frequent, covering topics such as recycled content in plastic bottles, bans on single-use items, chemical recycling, right of first refusal, organic waste diversion, and bottle deposit systems. Although packaging producer responsibility bills in California and New York did not pass, related legislation in Maine and Oregon was successfully enacted. This article summarizes major policy progress to date.
It has been a busy year so far for state recycling and waste policy, with legislatures making big decisions about everything from requiring minimum recycled content in plastic bottles to banning single-use products such as bags and foam foodservice packaging. Lawmakers are also taking special interest in topics such as chemical recycling, preemption policy, organics diversion and bottle bills.
Experts predicted an active legislative season, in part because of growing public concern and political pressure around certain waste issues, and a backlog of bills that didn't pass last year due to the pandemic. While several high-profile proposals failed to gain traction before legislative deadlines, including bills establishing producer responsibility for packaging in California and New York, others in Maine and Oregon made it through.
Catch up on our coverage of the notable developments to date. Please email waste.dive.editors@industrydive.com with any tips or feedback on state policy moves.