lessplasticplease

Policy tracker

Laws are where plastic actually gets cut. Here's what has passed, what's stuck and what's still being argued over, from the global treaty talks down to state bans. Each entry shows the date we last checked it against the official text.

Oldest check on this page: . Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

In force or phasing inPassed, proposed or under negotiationDelayed, blocked, stalled or repealed

Global

  • Global, treaty

    UN global plastics treaty (INC negotiations)

    Negotiating

    In March 2022 the UN Environment Assembly (resolution 5/14) mandated a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, to be finished by end-2024. Talks failed to agree at Busan (INC-5, Nov-Dec 2024) and again at Geneva (INC-5.2, August 2025). The chair resigned; Chile's Julio Cordano was elected chair at a one-day session (INC-5.3) on 7 February 2026. Formal talks resume at INC-5.4, scheduled for 13-24 March 2027, venue not yet announced.

    Why it matters: Consensus rules let a handful of oil- and plastic-producing states (reported: Saudi Arabia, Russia, the US) block production caps and chemical controls. Critics say the chair's 2026 'Aid to Negotiations' text drops production limits and a standalone health article. More than 100 countries back a stronger treaty.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Mar 2, 2022 UNEA-5.2 adopts resolution 5/14 launching negotiations, target end-2024
    2. Nov 2022 INC-1 opens in Punta del Este, Uruguay
    3. Apr 2024 INC-4 in Ottawa, Canada
    4. Dec 1, 2024 INC-5 in Busan, Republic of Korea, ends without agreement
    5. Aug 15, 2025 INC-5.2 in Geneva (5-15 Aug) adjourns without consensus on a text
    6. Oct 30, 2025 Bureau sets a one-day session to elect a new chair after Luis Vayas Valdivieso steps down
    7. Feb 7, 2026 INC-5.3 in Geneva elects Julio Cordano (Chile) chair by secret ballot; no substantive talks
    8. Aug 8, 2026 Chair circulates informal 'Aid to Negotiations' document
    9. Sep 30, 2026 Informal heads-of-delegation meeting in Bangkok (27-30 Sep) closes; no breakthrough reported
    10. Mar 13, 2027 INC-5.4 scheduled to open (to 24 March 2027); venue to be announced

    Checked

Regional

  • European Union, chemical restriction

    EU ban on bisphenol A in food-contact materials (2024/3190)

    Phasing in

    Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/3190 bans bisphenol A, and other hazardous bisphenols, in food-contact plastics, coatings (e.g. can linings), inks, adhesives, rubbers and ion-exchange resins. It entered into force on 20 January 2025. Most products had until 20 July 2026 to comply; some single-use cans for fruit, vegetables and fish, exterior-only coatings and professional food-production equipment have until 20 January 2028. Repeat-use articles already on the market can stay on sale until 20 January 2029. It follows EFSA's 2023 cut to BPA's tolerable daily intake, about 20,000-fold.

    Why it matters: It closes the gap left by the 2011 baby-bottle ban, but swaps are the risk: other bisphenols are only caught if already classified as hazardous. Canned food packed before the deadlines can stay on sale until stocks run out.

    Timeline and sources
    1. 2011 Earlier EU ban on BPA in polycarbonate baby bottles
    2. Apr 2023 EFSA re-evaluation sharply lowers tolerable daily intake for BPA
    3. Dec 19, 2024 Regulation adopted
    4. Dec 31, 2024 Published in the Official Journal
    5. Jan 20, 2025 Entered into force
    6. Jul 20, 2026 Transition ends for most single-use and repeat-use articles
    7. Jul 20, 2027 Last date to fill and seal single-use articles placed on the market under the main transition
    8. Jan 20, 2028 Transition ends for certain fruit, vegetable and fish cans, exterior-only coatings and professional equipment
    9. Jan 20, 2029 Last date for remaining repeat-use articles placed on the market under the transition to stay on sale

    Checked

  • European Union, reduction target

    EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR, 2025/40)

    Phasing in

    Regulation (EU) 2025/40 replaces the 1994 packaging directive with directly applicable rules. It has applied since 12 August 2026. It sets packaging-waste reduction targets per person (5% by 2030, 10% by 2035, 15% by 2040, against 2018), requires all packaging to be recyclable from 2030, sets minimum recycled content for plastic packaging from 2030 (both later if implementing rules are late), bans PFAS above set limits in food-contact packaging from 12 August 2026, bans several single-use plastic formats from 2030, and requires deposit-return systems for plastic bottles and cans by 2029.

    Why it matters: It is the most far-reaching packaging law anywhere, but much of it depends on delegated and implementing acts, some of which are late. Reuse targets were weakened during negotiation and carry broad exemptions. A December 2025 'omnibus' proposal to suspend the authorised-representative duty stalled: Council work on it was halted in 2026, though some states want it revived for small producers.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Dec 19, 2024 Regulation adopted
    2. Jan 22, 2025 Published in the Official Journal
    3. Feb 11, 2025 Entered into force
    4. Aug 12, 2026 General date of application; PFAS limits in food-contact packaging apply
    5. Jan 1, 2029 Deposit-return systems required for single-use plastic bottles and metal cans (with exemptions for high-collection states)
    6. Jan 1, 2030 Bans on listed single-use plastic formats (e.g. small fruit and veg packs, hotel miniatures, condiment sachets, dine-in packaging); recyclability and recycled-content requirements
    7. 2040 Higher recycled-content and reduction targets

    Checked

  • European Union, other

    EU regulation on preventing plastic pellet losses (2025/2365)

    Passed, not yet in force

    Regulation (EU) 2025/2365 requires everyone handling plastic pellets in the EU supply chain (producers, converters, logistics, carriers) to prevent, contain and clean up spills, with risk-management plans, staff training and loss reporting. Operators handling 1,500 tonnes or more a year need independent certification (one-off for small firms); smaller operators self-declare. Non-EU carriers need an EU representative. Most obligations apply from 17 December 2027; maritime transport rules from 17 December 2028.

    Why it matters: Pellet losses are the third-largest source of unintentionally released microplastics in the EU, the regulation itself says. This is the first binding EU law aimed at them, but it relies on industry-run certification and has a two-to-three-year run-in before anything bites.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Oct 2023 Commission proposes the regulation
    2. Apr 2025 Provisional agreement between Parliament and Council
    3. Sep 22, 2025 Council adopts its first-reading position
    4. Oct 23, 2025 Parliament approves at second reading
    5. Nov 12, 2025 Regulation signed by Parliament and Council
    6. Nov 26, 2025 Published in the Official Journal
    7. Dec 16, 2025 Entered into force (a few provisions apply immediately)
    8. Dec 17, 2027 Main obligations apply (risk plans, certification, reporting)
    9. Dec 17, 2028 Maritime transport obligations apply

    Checked

  • European Union, chemical restriction

    EU restriction on intentionally added microplastics (REACH, 2023/2055)

    Phasing in

    Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 adds synthetic polymer microparticles to REACH Annex XVII, banning the sale of products that contain them intentionally or release them in use. Loose glitter and microbeads were banned immediately on 17 October 2023. Other uses phase out on staggered dates: rinse-off cosmetics 2027; detergents, waxes and fertilisers 2028; leave-on cosmetics and fragrance encapsulation 2029; sports-pitch granular infill and plant protection products 2031; lip, nail and make-up products 2035.

    Why it matters: Granular rubber infill on artificial pitches, the largest intentional source, gets eight years. The restriction does not touch unintentional microplastics from tyres, textiles or pellet spills, which are far larger sources. Some uses (e.g. industrial sites) only face reporting and instructions, not a ban.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Sep 25, 2023 Restriction adopted by the Commission
    2. Oct 17, 2023 Entered into force; loose glitter and microbeads banned
    3. Oct 17, 2027 Rinse-off cosmetics
    4. Oct 17, 2028 Detergents, waxes, polishes, air fresheners, fertilising and other agricultural products
    5. Oct 17, 2029 Leave-on cosmetics, fragrance encapsulation, some medical devices
    6. Oct 17, 2031 Granular infill for synthetic sports surfaces; plant protection products and biocides
    7. Oct 17, 2035 Lip, nail and make-up products

    Checked

  • European Union, ban

    EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (2019/904)

    In force

    Directive (EU) 2019/904 bans placing on the EU market single-use plastic cotton-bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers and balloon sticks, expanded-polystyrene food and drink containers and cups, and all oxo-degradable plastic products (from 3 July 2021). It also requires caps tethered to drinks bottles, warning labels on items such as wet wipes and cigarette filters, producer responsibility schemes, 77% separate collection of plastic bottles by 2025 (90% by 2029), and recycled content of 25% in PET bottles from 2025 and 30% in all plastic bottles from 2030.

    Why it matters: The bans cover a short list of litter items; most single-use plastic (cups, food containers other than EPS) only faces 'reduction' duties with no hard EU-wide numbers. As a directive it depends on national transposition, which was uneven and late in several member states. The Commission is evaluating it, with results due by 3 July 2027.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Jun 5, 2019 Directive adopted
    2. Jul 2, 2019 Entered into force
    3. Jul 3, 2021 Transposition deadline; market bans and marking requirements apply
    4. Jul 3, 2024 Tethered caps required on drinks containers up to 3 litres
    5. 2025 Targets: 25% recycled content in PET bottles; 77% separate collection of plastic bottles
    6. Apr 16, 2026 Commission publishes first implementation report
    7. Jun 30, 2026 Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1425 on recycled-content calculation adopted
    8. Jul 3, 2027 Commission evaluation due
    9. 2029 90% separate collection target for plastic bottles
    10. 2030 30% recycled content in all plastic drinks bottles

    Checked

National

State and provincial

  • California, ban

    California carryout bag ban (SB 270 and SB 1053)

    In force

    California's 2014 law (SB 270), upheld by voters as Proposition 67 in 2016, banned thin plastic checkout bags but let stores sell thicker 'reusable' plastic bags. SB 1053 (2024) closed that loophole: since 1 January 2026, grocery, pharmacy, convenience and liquor stores may not provide any plastic film checkout bags, only recycled paper bags for at least 10 cents. From 2028 paper bags must contain at least 50% post-consumer recycled material.

    Why it matters: Under the first statewide US bag ban, discarded plastic grocery and merchandise bags rose from 157,385 tons to 231,072 tons by 2022, per CalRecycle figures cited by SB 1053's author, who blamed the thick-bag loophole. Pre-checkout produce bags remain allowed. Cities and the Attorney General enforce it, not CalRecycle.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Sep 2014 SB 270 signed
    2. Nov 8, 2016 Voters uphold the ban (Proposition 67)
    3. Sep 22, 2024 SB 1053 signed (Chapter 453, Statutes of 2024)
    4. Jan 1, 2026 All plastic film checkout bags banned
    5. Jan 1, 2028 Paper bags must contain at least 50% post-consumer recycled content

    Checked

  • California, labelling

    California SB 343: truth in recycling labels

    Blocked in court

    SB 343 (2021) bars use of the chasing-arrows symbol or 'recyclable' claims on products and packaging unless the material is collected by programs serving at least 60% of Californians and meets sorting and end-market tests set by CalRecycle. It was due to apply from 4 October 2026. On 14 July 2026 a federal judge in San Diego preliminarily barred the Attorney General from enforcing it, finding the challengers likely to win on free-speech and vagueness grounds.

    Why it matters: The chasing arrows on non-recyclable plastic are one of the industry's most effective deceptions. The injunction leaves them in place for now (whether it also binds local prosecutors or private suits is unclear) and also muddies SB 54, which uses SB 343's definition of recyclable. A final ruling or appeal will decide whether the law survives.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Oct 2021 Signed into law
    2. Dec 2023 CalRecycle publishes material characterisation study, starting the 18-month-plus clock
    3. Mar 2026 California League of Food Producers and 20 other trade groups sue the California Attorney General
    4. Jul 14, 2026 Federal court (S.D. Cal., Judge William Q. Hayes) grants preliminary injunction
    5. Sep 28, 2026 Court denies environmental groups' motion to intervene
    6. Oct 2026 Plaintiffs file amended complaint seeking to add claims against SB 54; hearing set for 9 November 2026
    7. Oct 4, 2026 Original compliance date (enforcement now blocked)

    Checked

  • California, producer responsibility

    California SB 54: Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act

    Phasing in

    SB 54 (2022) makes producers of single-use packaging and plastic foodware pay for and run recycling through a producer responsibility organisation, Circular Action Alliance. By 2032 all covered packaging must be recyclable or compostable, plastic packaging must hit a 65% recycling rate and be cut 25% at source, and producers must pay $500 million a year into a pollution mitigation fund from 2027. CalRecycle's permanent rules took effect on 1 May 2026; the producers' plan was submitted on 13 October 2026 and CalRecycle must approve it by 1 January 2027 for the program to begin.

    Why it matters: The regulations took nearly four years, including a restart after the first draft was withdrawn, and allow some 'advanced recycling'. The law is under attack from both sides: 17 states and a wholesalers' trade group sued in federal court in June 2026, and environmental groups sued over loopholes. Its definition of 'recyclable' leans on SB 343, which a court has blocked.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Jun 30, 2022 Signed by Governor Newsom
    2. Jan 1, 2025 EPS foodware missed its 25% recycling target, so its sale became prohibited
    3. Mar 2025 Governor directs CalRecycle to withdraw its first proposed regulations and restart
    4. May 1, 2026 Permanent regulations approved by the Office of Administrative Law and in effect
    5. Jun 2, 2026 NRDC, Californians Against Waste Foundation and Oceana sue CalRecycle in state court over parts of the rules
    6. Jun 22, 2026 17 states led by Nebraska and the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors sue in federal court (E.D. Cal.)
    7. Oct 2026 SB 343 challengers file amended federal complaint (S.D. Cal.) seeking to add claims against SB 54
    8. Oct 13, 2026 Circular Action Alliance submits final draft program plan to CalRecycle (75-day review)
    9. Jan 1, 2027 Deadline for CalRecycle to approve the plan; program begins
    10. Mar 1, 2027 First $500m mitigation-surcharge cycle: CalRecycle tells the state tax agency who owes what (payment due 30 days after assessment)
    11. 2032 Targets: 100% recyclable or compostable, 65% plastic recycling rate, 25% plastic source reduction

    Checked

  • Colorado, producer responsibility

    Colorado Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling (HB 22-1355)

    In force

    Colorado's 2022 law requires producers of packaging and paper products to fund a statewide recycling program run by a producer responsibility organisation (Circular Action Alliance), including free recycling for residents. Producer dues began in January 2026. The wholesalers' trade group (NAW) sued in federal court in July 2026, arguing the private fee-setting structure is unconstitutional; a lubricant makers' group has a separate state-court suit.

    Why it matters: Colorado's program promises statewide recycling access, a big change in a state with low recycling rates. The same legal theory that briefly won an injunction in Oregon (before losing at trial) is now being tested here.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Jun 3, 2022 Signed into law
    2. Jul 1, 2025 Producers may not sell covered products in Colorado unless they participate in the program
    3. Dec 9, 2025 CDPHE approves Circular Action Alliance's program plan
    4. Jan 1, 2026 Producer dues due to Circular Action Alliance
    5. Mar 12, 2026 Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association sues in Denver District Court
    6. Jul 30, 2026 NAW v. Ryan filed in federal court; preliminary-injunction motion follows on 5 August

    Checked

  • Maine, chemical restriction

    Maine PFAS in Products law

    Phasing in

    Maine's 2021 law (LD 1503), heavily amended in 2023 and 2024, phases out products with intentionally added PFAS. Carpets, rugs and fabric treatments were banned from 1 January 2023. Cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, juvenile products, menstrual products, ski wax, upholstered furniture and most textiles followed on 1 January 2026. Artificial turf and wet-weather outdoor apparel follow in 2029, and most other products in 2032 (cooling, heating and refrigeration equipment in 2040), unless the state rules a use 'currently unavoidable'.

    Why it matters: It was the first law aiming at PFAS across all consumer products. The 2024 amendments dropped the universal reporting requirement and added exemptions, so disclosure now applies mainly to products granted 'currently unavoidable use' status. Enforcement depends on a small agency.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Jul 2021 LD 1503 enacted
    2. Jan 1, 2023 Ban on carpets, rugs and fabric treatments with intentionally added PFAS
    3. Apr 2024 LD 1537 amends the law, ends general reporting, adds category bans
    4. Oct 7, 2025 Rule on currently unavoidable uses takes effect
    5. Jan 1, 2026 Bans on cookware, cosmetics, cleaning products, textiles and other listed categories
    6. Jan 1, 2029 Artificial turf and outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions (unless disclosed)
    7. Jan 1, 2032 Most other products, unless a currently unavoidable use applies (HVAC and refrigeration equipment excluded)
    8. Jan 1, 2040 Cooling, heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment

    Checked

  • Maine, producer responsibility

    Maine Stewardship Program for Packaging (LD 1541)

    Stalled

    Maine passed the first US packaging EPR law in July 2021. Unlike other states, it has the state pick and contract a single stewardship organisation, which collects producer payments and reimburses towns for recycling costs. The Department of Environmental Protection's request for proposals drew zero bids by its 18 August 2026 deadline (Circular Action Alliance declined, citing the scope). With no organisation in place, producers currently have no registration, reporting or payment obligations.

    Why it matters: The first state to legislate is now behind the others. Maine's model keeps more control with the state, which is what producers' main organisation balked at. In September 2026 DEP said it is revising the request for proposals, with no date for a reissue.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Jul 2021 Signed into law, the first packaging EPR law in the US
    2. Dec 2024 Program rule (Chapter 428) adopted by the Board of Environmental Protection
    3. Jun 2025 Amending law (LD 1423) enacted
    4. Mar 2026 Chapter 428 amended to add the packaging material types list and align with the 2025 law changes
    5. Jun 15, 2026 DEP issues request for proposals for a stewardship organisation
    6. Aug 18, 2026 Proposal deadline passes with no bids
    7. Sep 11, 2026 DEP announces it will revise the request for proposals; no reissue date given

    Checked

  • Maryland, producer responsibility

    Maryland Packaging and Paper Products Producer Responsibility Plans (SB 901)

    Passed, not yet in force

    Maryland's 2025 law (Chapter 431) makes producers of packaging and paper products fund recycling through a producer responsibility organisation, with eco-modulated fees. It built on a 2023 law that ordered a statewide recycling needs assessment (published February 2025). Producers' plans are due by 1 July 2028 and must reimburse local recycling costs at rates reaching at least 50% of cost per ton by 1 July 2028, 75% by 2029 and 90% by 2030. Circular Action Alliance is the producer organisation; fee collection dates are not yet set.

    Why it matters: Sixth US state with packaging EPR. Real money does not flow until 2028, and targets come from the plan rather than the statute.

    Timeline and sources
    1. 2023 Law requires a statewide recycling needs assessment
    2. Feb 21, 2025 Final needs assessment published
    3. May 13, 2025 Signed by Governor Moore
    4. Jul 1, 2026 Producer responsibility organisation must file its first annual registration
    5. Jul 1, 2027 Statewide recyclable materials list due
    6. Jul 1, 2028 Producer responsibility plan due; reimbursement rates must reach at least 50% of local cost per ton
    7. Jul 1, 2029 Reimbursement rates must reach at least 75% of local cost per ton
    8. Jul 1, 2030 Reimbursement rates must reach at least 90% of local cost per ton

    Checked

  • Minnesota, producer responsibility

    Minnesota Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act

    Passed, not yet in force

    Minnesota's 2024 law makes producers of packaging and paper products fund recycling and composting through a producer responsibility organisation (Circular Action Alliance, registered February 2025). It sets no numeric targets in statute: a state needs assessment due by end-2026 informs statewide requirements set by the state, and the producers' stewardship plan (due 1 October 2028) sets targets. Producer reimbursements to service providers must cover at least 50% of net costs by February 2029, rising to 90% by 2031; by 2032 covered materials must be collected under the plan.

    Why it matters: Covers reuse and composting as well as recycling, but sets no hard targets until the 2028 plan at the earliest. Producer payments and real changes on the ground are years away.

    Timeline and sources
    1. May 2024 Signed into law
    2. Feb 18, 2025 Circular Action Alliance registered as producer responsibility organisation
    3. Dec 31, 2025 Preliminary assessment due
    4. Dec 31, 2026 Needs assessment due
    5. Oct 1, 2028 Stewardship plan due
    6. Jan 1, 2029 Producers must operate under an approved stewardship plan to sell covered materials
    7. Feb 1, 2029 Reimbursement rates must cover at least 50% of net costs (75% by Feb 2030, 90% by Feb 2031)
    8. Jan 1, 2032 Producers may only sell covered materials if covered services are provided under an approved plan

    Checked

  • Minnesota, chemical restriction

    Minnesota PFAS in products law (Amara's Law)

    Phasing in

    Named for Amara Strande, who died of a rare cancer in 2023, Minnesota's 2023 law banned intentionally added PFAS in 11 product categories from 1 January 2025: carpets and rugs, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, fabric treatments, juvenile products, menstrual products, textile furnishings, ski wax and upholstered furniture. All other products follow in 2032 unless deemed a currently unavoidable use. Manufacturers' first reports on PFAS in products were due 15 September 2026.

    Why it matters: Broadest PFAS product ban in the US when passed. The first reporting deadline slipped from 1 January 2026 to 1 July 2026 and then to 15 September 2026, and a 2026 amendment exempted products made before 1 July 2023.

    Timeline and sources
    1. May 2023 Signed into law
    2. Jan 1, 2025 Bans in 11 product categories take effect
    3. Apr 15, 2026 State moves first reporting deadline from 1 July to 15 September 2026
    4. May 26, 2026 Amendment signed excluding products manufactured before 1 July 2023 from reporting
    5. Sep 15, 2026 First manufacturer reports due
    6. Jan 1, 2032 Ban extends to all products unless a currently unavoidable use applies

    Checked

  • New York, ban

    New York Bag Waste Reduction Act

    In force

    New York bans stores that collect sales tax from handing out plastic carryout bags, with exemptions for things like raw meat and produce bags, takeout bags from restaurants and prescription bags. Cities and counties can opt in to a 5-cent fee on paper bags. The ban took effect on 1 March 2020.

    Why it matters: Restaurant takeout bags remain exempt, and the 5-cent paper-bag fee applies only where a city or county opts in. DEC says plastic bags of any thickness do not count as reusable.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Apr 12, 2019 Enacted in the state budget (Part H of Chapter 58 of the Laws of 2019)
    2. Mar 1, 2020 Ban takes effect
    3. Oct 19, 2020 DEC begins enforcement after an agreed pause during a bag maker's court challenge (Poly-Pak), decided 20 August 2020

    Checked

  • Oregon, producer responsibility

    Oregon Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582)

    In force

    Oregon's 2021 law makes producers of packaging, printed paper and foodware fund and help run the state's recycling system through Circular Action Alliance, sets a statewide collection list, requires 'responsible end markets' for collected material, and builds in eco-modulated fees. The program and producer fees started on 1 July 2025. After a bench trial, a federal judge upheld the law on 27 August 2026; the wholesalers' trade group has appealed to the Ninth Circuit.

    Why it matters: First packaging EPR program in the US to actually collect fees, so it is the test case. The litigation targets the delegation of fee-setting to a private producer group, an argument that is now being run against Colorado and California too.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Aug 2021 Signed into law
    2. Jan 1, 2022 Law takes effect
    3. Jul 1, 2025 Program and producer fees begin
    4. Feb 2026 Federal court grants NAW members a preliminary injunction
    5. Aug 27, 2026 After a bench trial, Judge Michael Simon upholds the law and dissolves the injunction
    6. Sep 24, 2026 NAW announces it has filed a notice of appeal to the Ninth Circuit

    Checked

  • United States (multiple states), ban

    US state bans on expanded polystyrene (foam) foodware

    In force

    With no federal rule, states have moved on their own against foam food containers. Maryland's ban took effect in July 2020; New York's (foam food containers and packing peanuts) in January 2022, extended to foam coolers in January 2026; Colorado's in January 2024; Washington's in June 2024; Oregon's and California's (via SB 54, after foam missed a 25% recycling target) in January 2025; and Virginia's applied to chains with 20+ locations from July 2025 and to all food vendors from July 2026. The list is not exhaustive.

    Why it matters: Foam foodware is rarely recycled (in California it never reached even a 25% recycling rate) and breaks into persistent fragments. These bans are among the clearest wins, but exemptions (raw meat trays, prepackaged food, rigid #6 polystyrene) leave a lot of polystyrene in circulation.

    Timeline and sources
    1. Jul 1, 2020 Maryland ban takes effect
    2. Jan 1, 2022 New York ban on foam food containers and packing peanuts
    3. Jan 1, 2024 Colorado ban on EPS containers for ready-to-eat food at retail food establishments
    4. Jun 1, 2024 Washington ban on EPS food service products and coolers (packing peanuts from 1 June 2023)
    5. Jan 1, 2025 Oregon ban; California sales prohibition under SB 54
    6. Jul 1, 2025 Virginia ban for chains with 20+ locations
    7. Jan 1, 2026 New York ban extends to foam coolers
    8. Jul 1, 2026 Virginia ban extends to all food vendors

    Checked

  • Washington, producer responsibility

    Washington Recycling Reform Act (SB 5284)

    Passed, not yet in force

    Washington's 2025 law creates producer responsibility for packaging and paper products, run through a producer responsibility organisation (Circular Action Alliance) and overseen by the Department of Ecology. It sets a statewide collection list and requires curbside recycling where homes already get curbside trash service. Producers had to join a PRO or register by 1 July 2026; the program plan is due 1 October 2028, and from 2030 the producer organisation must reimburse at least 90% of recycling system costs.

    Why it matters: Seventh US state with packaging EPR. Advocates estimate it adds curbside recycling for roughly 500,000 homes. Like the other states, the payoff is years out.

    Timeline and sources
    1. May 17, 2025 Signed by Governor Ferguson
    2. Mar 1, 2026 Producer responsibility organisation registration deadline
    3. Jul 1, 2026 Producers must join a PRO or register
    4. Oct 1, 2028 Program plan due
    5. Mar 2029 Producers not in a producer organisation can no longer sell covered products in Washington
    6. 2030 Expanded curbside recycling begins; producer organisation reimburses at least 90% of recycling system costs

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