"It’s the wild, wild West of product claims and labeling with no sheriff in town,”
Jan Dell, an engineer and founder of The Last Beach Cleanup
The New York Times, September 8, 2021

New Lawsuits Filed to Stop Illegal Sales of Plastic Bags in California

The Last Beach Cleanup v. Gelsonsopnm' Markets

Halt the Hoax: End False Solutions to Plastic Waste and Pollution

74 NGOs ask California State Attorney General to
Stop False Recycle Claims on Plastic Products
(February 2022)

NEW REPORT REVEALS THAT U.S. PLASTIC RECYCLING RATE HAS FALLEN TO 5-6%

The Real Truth About the U.S. Plastic Recycling Rate:

2021 U.S. Facts and Figures Report

More information on the global plastics pollution crisis and the Attorney General's investigation can be found at https://oag.ca.gov/plastics

Plastic waste and pollution are harming the world's ecosystems and economies. Plastic bags and films fill landscapes and contaminate recycling and composting systems, endangering workers, and increasing costs.

​

Consumers across the U.S. are deceived by instructions to “Return the plastic bag to a participating store for recycling” or

"Store Dropoff" and sent on a wild goose chase with no benefit. Mixed post-consumer plastic film waste is contaminated and worthless.  Few takeback bins exist and there is no proof that collected materials are actually recycled into new products.

California retail stores should stop selling thicker plastic film bag since they are not “recyclable in the state” as required by law  (Cal. Pub. Res. Code § 42881). California has existing laws in place to regulate labeling and distribution of plastic bags and films to protect the State’s consumers, environment, and economy. Enforcement of existing laws will benefit Californians and reduce environmental and economic damage.

Commission Website