SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1456

BYHouse Committee on Environmental Affairs (originally sponsored by Representatives Wang, Locke, Walker, Rust, Jones, Fisher, Holland, Todd, Lux, Unsoeld and Winsley)

Prohibiting the sale of beverage containers connected by plastic rings that are not degradable.

House Committe on Environmental Affairs

Senate Committee on Environment & Natural Resources

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1988

Senate Staff:Henry Yates (786-7708)

AS OF FEBRUARY 23, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The most common product used to package and carry beverage cans is a simple plastic ring, often called a "six pack" ring.  These plastic products keep six cans together and provide a handle for carrying them at one time.  These plastic rings have been associated with wildlife entrapment and litter problems.  Most plastic materials are persistent and can exist in the environment for several years or even decades.

Six pack rings that degrade or decompose when exposed to sunlight have been available since the late 1970's.  Eleven states currently require the use of photodegradable six-pack rings.  In a few states, including Washington, the beverage industry has made a voluntary effort to use photodegradable rings.

It is unclear what percentage of plastic six-pack rings used in Washington are photodegradable.

SUMMARY:

A definition of degradable is to be added to the chapter.

Beverage containers connected by a material that is not degradable are not to be sold.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested