Understanding AB 793: The Basics
AB 793, signed into law in 2020, seeks to significantly increase the use of recycled content in plastic beverage containers sold in California. This policy was built around the California Beverage Container Recycling and CRV Program (California Redemption Program). The ultimate driver revolved around developing domestic recycling markets and creating a resilient end market for recycled materials. The legislation establishes ambitious targets for incorporating post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic into these containers, thereby reducing reliance on virgin materials and bolstering the circular economy. California has led the way but we are seeing other states within the USA taking on a similar approach such as Connecticut HB 6664 recycled content policy.
Mandated Percentages of Recycled Content
The law outlines a phased approach to the incorporation of post-consumer recycled content, with incremental increases over time. Here’s a breakdown of the mandated percentages of recycled content by year:
- January 1, 2022: Manufacturers must ensure that plastic beverage containers sold in California contain a minimum of 15% PCR content.
- January 1, 2025: The requirement increases to 25% Post-consumer recycled content.
- January 1, 2030: The final target mandates that all plastic beverage containers sold in California contain at least 50% PCR content.
Definition of Covered Products
AB 793 applies to a wide range of plastic beverage containers, encompassing various types and sizes commonly found in the market. Covered products include, but are not limited to:
- Bottles – less than 24 ounces: This includes containers for water, carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, sports drinks, and other liquid refreshments
- Jugs – more than 24 ounces: Containers for juices, teas, and other beverages sold in larger volumes
The Program Covers Containers with these Beverages
- Carbonated mineral and soda water and other similar carbonated soft drinks
- Noncarbonated soft drinks
- Wine coolers and distilled spirit coolers
- Wine and distilled spirits (started January 2024)
- Beer and malt beverages
- Noncarbonated water including noncarbonated mineral water
- Sport drinks
- Coffee and tea drinks
- Vegetable juice in beverage containers (updated 2024)
- Carbonated and noncarbonated fruit drinks with any percentage of fruit juice
- 100% fruit juices in containers (updated 2024)
The legislation casts a broad net to ensure that manufacturers across the beverage industry adhere to the mandated recycled content requirements, fostering a consistent and comprehensive approach to sustainability.
Implications and Benefits
AB 793 represents a significant milestone in California’s journey toward a more sustainable future. By progressively increasing the utilization of PCR content in plastic beverage containers, the state aims to:
- Reduce environmental impact: Decreasing reliance on virgin plastics conserves resources, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigates pollution.
- Stimulate recycling markets: Creating demand for recycled materials incentivizes investment in recycling infrastructure and spurs innovation in waste management.
- Lead by example: California’s proactive stance on sustainability sets a precedent for other states and jurisdictions, encouraging broader adoption of similar policies.
Paving the Way Towards Sustainability
Assembly Bill 793 underscores California’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and circular economy principles. By mandating increasing percentages of recycled content in plastic beverage containers, the state charts a course toward a more sustainable and resilient future. As manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers alike embrace these measures, we move closer to realizing a world where waste is minimized, resources are conserved, and the planet thrives.
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