Statement

Plastic Makers Oppose Ban on Recyclable Plastic Bags

ARLINGTON, VA (March 29, 2007) – This week the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted to ban non-biodegradable plastic bags in large grocery stores and pharmacies.  The ordinance prohibits supermarkets and pharmacies with sales of more than $2 million from using recyclable plastic bags. The American Chemistry Council (ACC), which represents many of the nation’s leading plastics makers, opposes this measure and issued the following statement:

“We commend the Board of Supervisors’ desire to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, but banning the use of recyclable plastic bags is not the answer.  Plastic grocery and retail bags make up a tiny fraction (less than 0.5 percent) of the U.S. municipal solid waste stream, and programs to recycle plastic bags are steadily increasing throughout California.

“America’s plastic makers are successfully working with California’s grocers, communities and local governments to help expand programs to recycle bags and educate consumers about recycling as well as litter prevention.  The California Integrated Waste Management Board has praised ACC's Plastics Division for working collaboratively with them over the last two years in the effort to increase plastic bag and film recycling throughout the state. As a result of these efforts, plastic bag recycling programs are steadily growing, and in-store drop-off bins have become a primary collection mechanism in many California communities. 

“We are deeply concerned that banning plastic bags in grocery stores will severely diminish plastic bag recycling in San Francisco and surrounding areas as it will eliminate many in-store collection programs and cause the accidental commingling of biodegradable and recyclable bags, which will contaminate the recovered material.   

“Also troubling is the suggestion that this ordinance will help to reduce litter.  To the contrary, mandating the use of biodegradable plastics is likely to increase the incidence of litter.  Many people mistakenly believe that bags labeled “biodegradable” or “compostable” will readily decompose in the natural environment – a misperception that could, in all likelihood, increase tolerance for improper waste disposal.  Importantly, however, the biodegradable and compostable products currently on the market require large-scale, professionally managed composting facilities in order to decompose.  Today’s biodegradable plastic bags will not break down in the natural land or marine environment or in a landfill.

“Together with the Progressive Bag Alliance, which represents leading U.S. manufacturers of recyclable plastic bags, ACC will continue working to promote the recycling, reuse and proper disposal of plastic bags.  We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with California officials, grocers and municipalities to further these efforts.

Learn more about how and where to recycle plastic bags or get consumer tips on reusing and recycling plastic bags.