BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 215 Page 1 Date of Hearing: April 17, 2013 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair AB 215 (Chesbro) - As Introduced: January 31, 2013 Policy Committee: Natural ResourcesVote:9-0 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill modifies the definitions within the Rigid Plastic Packaging Container (RPPC) law to make them consistent with definitions in current regulations. This bill also makes various technical clean-up revisions. FISCAL EFFECT Negligible cost to the Department of Recycling, Recovery and Reuse (CalRecycle). COMMENTS 1)Purpose. This bill updates the RPPC law to reflect current packaging types and recycling technologies consistent with updated regulations effective January 1, 2013. The definitions in the law have not been updated since 2005. 2) Background. The Integrated Waste Management Act establishes a state policy goal to divert 75% of solid waste from landfill disposal by 2020. The RPPC Program was enacted to increase the use of recycled plastic and reduce the amount of plastic waste disposed in California landfills. The law regulates manufacturers, producers, and generators of products sold or offered for sale in regulated plastic containers. By regulating plastic containers, the program supports new and expanded infrastructures for collecting and recycling plastic resins and promotes the demand for postconsumer material. AB 215 Page 2 All rigid plastic packaging containers sold or offered for sale in the state, with exceptions for food and cosmetic containers, are required to either be comprised of 25% postconsumer material; have a 45% recycling rate; be a reusable package or be a source-reduced package (container has been reduced by 10% of previous size). A rigid plastic container is capable of maintaining its shape when filled with liquid products. Analysis Prepared by : Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916) 319-2081