On July 1, a statewide ban on single use plastic bags will take effect in Maine. Although the ban was passed by the state legislature in 2019 originally was set…
Sustainability & Materials Management
For Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Workgroup resources, see here.
For Materials Leadership Council and Materials Marketplace resources, see here.
Iowa DNR Launches ‘I Am a Recycler’ Campaign
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is launching a new “I Am a Recycler” campaign statewide to bolster recycling efforts. Through the campaign, the DNR wants to see how…
Connecticut Expands Bottle Bill to Promote Stewardship
In early June, Connecticut lawmakers passed a measure to significantly update the state’s bottle bill for the first time in decades, expanding the list of drink containers requiring a deposit…
Maryland Passes Ambitious Organics Diversion Mandate
In late May, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed HB 264, a bill mandating organics diversion. The measure requires covered entities generating at least two tons of organic waste per week…
Kentucky Promotes the Development of Markets for Waste Tires
On May 14, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Energy & Environment Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Goodman announced more than half a million dollars in grant funding for benches, picnic tables, walkways,…
States Put a New Spin on Earth Day
Every year on April 22, Americans pause to celebrate Earth Day and to remember our collective responsibility to protect our planet and its people. State environmental agencies marked the day…
Virginia Bans Polystyrene Food Containers
Last week, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam signed a bill banning polystyrene food containers from all vendors by 2025. Northam signed House Bill 533, along with an executive order banning this…
ECOS Letter on Extended Producer Responsibility and Product Stewardship
This letter to Chairwoman Pingree shares ECOS Resolution 12-5 which covers Extended Producer Responsibility and highlights some state efforts through ECOS to share information on recycling and waste management challenges.
New Jersey Awards Grants to Enhance Local Recycling Programs
The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is awarding $16 million in grants to municipalities across the state to enhance waste reduction and recycling efforts. Grant recipients must use the…
Washington Identifies PFAS-Free Food Packaging Alternatives
The Washington Department of Ecology published a report identifying alternatives for food packaging with fewer toxic chemicals, specifically PFAS. The report to the Washington Legislature includes an alternatives assessment process…
