Break Free from Plastics
The Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act was reintroduced in March 2021 by Representative Alan Lowenthal of California and Senator Jeff Markey of Oregon. (H.R.2238/S.984) It phases out certain single use plastic products, initiates a nationwide refund program and more. (See below)
Calling your representatives in congress is a great way to encourage them to support this bill. Use this call script to ask your representatives to co-sponsor and support this legislation. The document includes links to find their phone numbers.
Though less effective, you can also sign this online petition.
Let’s put an end to plastic pollution.
This comprehensive, first-of-its kind bill would:
Require producers of packaging, containers, and food-service products to design, manage, and finance waste and recycling programs.
Launch a nationwide beverage container refund program to bolster recycling rates.
Ban certain single-use plastic products that are not recyclable.
Ban single-use plastic carryout bags and place a fee on the distribution of the remaining carryout bags, which has proven successful at the state level.
Establish minimum recycled content requirements for beverage containers, packaging, and food-service products.
Channel massive investments in U.S. domestic recycling and composting infrastructure.
Prohibit plastic waste from being shipped to developing countries.
Protect state and local governments that enact more stringent standards.
Require EPA to partner with the National Academies of Science to conduct a comprehensive study on the environment and cumulative public health impacts of incinerators and plastic chemical recycling facilities.
Establish a temporary pause on permitting new and expanded plastic production facilities while the EPA creates and, as necessary, updates regulations on plastic production facilities to protect frontline and fenceline communities from direct and cumulative impacts on public health.