Wisconsin panel studies single-use plastics

Recycling, litter, producer responsibility and related issues are on the table in Madison, Wis., where the state legislature's special committee on single-use plastics met for the first time a few weeks ago. Rep. Spencer Black, chairman of the committee, said in a news release that the panel's job is to "find ways to keep more plastic out of our landfills as waste and out of our landscape as litter." ""Plastic is used widely because it is a very useful and convenient material for agricultural, industrial and commercial purposes. But its widespread use also poses a problem, both as litter and as a major source of waste for landfills," he said. "Plastic, as a petrochemical product, contains a valuable resource that we should seek to use again instead of using it once and throwing it out. Working with business in a cooperative manner, I believe we can draft legislation that will benefit both the environment and the economy." The committee heard from local and national experts, including representatives from the American Chemistry Council and the Association of Postconsumer Plastics Recyclers. (Check this PDF for the minutes of the meeting.) Black said the panel will meet again in October, and he hopes to finish its work with two additional meetings.