Missouri Becomes Milestone 20th State to Pass Advanced Recycling Legislation
From wasteadvantagemag.com. View original article here.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed H.B. 2485 into law, which will help ensure more plastics are reused again and again while attracting new jobs to the state. With his signature, Governor Parson brings to twenty the number of states that have signed legislation that recognizes the benefits of advanced recycling into law since 2017.
Advanced recycling is a rapidly expanding manufacturing process that converts used plastics into high-quality new plastics without incinerating solid waste. With advanced recycling technologies, more types of plastics can be recycled compared to traditional recycling technologies, including some mixed and soiled plastics. The virgin-quality plastics made from advanced recycling have been approved for food, pharmaceutical, and medical use, among other things. A 2021 report by Closed Loop Partners estimated that advanced recycling could double the plastics packaging recycling rate in the U.S. and Canada by 2030.
H.B. 2485 will appropriately regulate advanced recycling technologies as manufacturing operations rather than solid waste disposal, which will encourage investments in advanced recycling facilities and new manufacturing jobs for Missouri residents. “This is a great opportunity for Missouri and exciting progress toward a more circular economy for plastics,” said Chris Jahn, president & CEO of the American Chemistry Council (ACC). “Over the past five years, 40% of states in this country have signed advanced recycling legislation into law, demonstrating that recognition of these innovative technologies and their immense potential is rapidly growing. Advanced recycling diverts plastics from landfills, decreases greenhouse gas emissions, and helps create new jobs and revenue streams. In other words, advanced recycling keeps more plastics out of the environment and in the economy.”
More than 50 products in the global marketplace already use plastics made from advanced recycling. “This legislation will help reduce plastic waste and allow more used plastic to become valuable new products—all while creating jobs and encouraging investment in our state,” said Governor Mike Parson. “Companies all over the country are investing billions in these type of recycling facilities. With this new law on the books, they will know Missouri is open for business, and our citizens will know we are serious about a clean, sustainable Missouri.”
ACC applauds Rep. Jeff Knight for being the lead sponsor of the legislation, Missouri’s lawmakers for passing it, and Governor Parson for signing this milestone legislation it into law.