Washington Regulator Fined Companies over Violation of Recycled Plastic Law

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Thirty-five businesses have been fined by the Washington Department of Ecology for not adhering to the minimum recycled plastics content law. Due to their violations of the recycled plastic rule, these companies have been fined $416, 554 by the regulator.

By 2023, plastic drink containers must include 15% recycled material, per the law. It is recommended that the recycled content be raised to 25% by 2026 and to 50% by 2031. Additionally, starting in 2023, plastic waste bags must include a minimum of 10% recycled content; by 2025 and 2027, that percentage must rise to 15% and 20%, respectively. In the upcoming years, the law intends to include additional plastic containers, like those for wine, dairy milk, and personal care and cleaning supplies, under the minimum recycled content requirement.

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The largest fine of $67,196 was imposed on Clorox. By the end of 2023, the percentage of post-consumer recycled plastic in its packaging had decreased from 11% in 2018 to 10%. A fine of $59,831 and $53,568 was imposed on Talking Rain Beverage Company, Inc. and Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. respectively.

The agency noted that several plastic producers have not even registered their products. To find producers who have not complied with registration or reporting obligations, it intends to carry out additional audits.