Materials Management - Recycled Content Mandates

In 2020, NEWMOA and NERC partnered to develop model post-consumer recycled content legislation for targeted plastic products and packaging. Through this initiative, the organizations were focused on:

• Encouraging a circular economy in plastics
• Promoting conservation of resources and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental impacts of producing plastics products from petroleum and gas
• Strengthening domestic markets for products made with post-consumer plastics
• Increasing stability in the plastic scrap markets

In August 2022, NERC and NEWMOA announced the publication of Model Minimum Postconsumer Recycled Content Requirements for Plastic Products and Packaging Legislation. A joint Workgroup of state recycling officials worked from 2020 to 2022 on the model legislation. The model incorporates many of the suggestions received from 37 organizations and individuals during a public comment period in early 2022.

This Model bill would require producers of covered plastic products and packaging to use a specified amount of minimum postconsumer recycled content, phased in over time. The covered plastic packaging and products include film bags, single-use containers used for food, beverages, household cleaning, and personal care products, and rigid plastic containers. The Model does not address all types of plastic products and packaging.