First reports on statewide plastic packaging study released

Two of three reports that will lead to recommendations to the Legislature on addressing the impacts of plastic packaging in Washington were recently released. These are the most comprehensive reports on this topic—specifically for Washington—since the 1990’s.

The Task 1 report has not yet been released but will focus on plastic packaging material quantities, flows, and disposal in Washington. The Task 2 report addresses recycled content in packaging – current practices, barriers, and opportunities. Recycled content use drives the market for the materials placed on the curb by city residents. This report focuses on local manufacturers.

The Task 3 report covers policy and technology options for managing plastic packaging once discarded. The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking feedback on options identified in both reports and suggestions for additional strategies to manage plastic packaging. All comments, even brief ones, will help inform the drafters of recommendations to the Legislature. The survey will close at midnight on Monday, June 15.

Ecology is seeking feedback on options identified in both reports and suggestions for additional strategies.

Study documents and survey

• Recycled content use report (Task 2 report. The Executive Summary is on pgs. 4-7)
• Executive summary of policy and technology options report (Task 3 report – Summary)
• Policy and technology options report (Task 3 report)
• Survey questions. (The online survey does not save until you submit and might time out (or the internet connection might drop in the process). Consider drafting your responses in this version and, once complete, pasting them into the online survey)
• Online survey to provide feedback on one or both reports.
• Study timeline
• Overview of the study
• Detailed study scope of work

Background

In 2019, the Washington Legislature passed the Plastic Packaging Evaluation and Assessment law. The law states that producers of plastic packaging should consider the design and management of their packaging in a manner that ensures minimal environmental impact. Producers of plastic packaging should be involved from design concept to end-of-life management to incentivize innovation and research to minimize environmental impacts. The law sets goals that, by January 2025, all packaging sold in the state:

• Is 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable
• Contains 20% percent postconsumer recycled content

The law also directed Ecology to hire an independent third-party contractor to conduct a study of the impacts of plastic packaging in Washington. The report and recommendations are due to the Legislature by October 31, 2020.

For more information contact:

• WAPlasticPkgStudy@cascadiaconsulting.com
• (206) 312-6055 (to leave a voicemail)
• To submit written comments, please visit the public comment form page.
• Sign up for the email list to receive updates.