On Jan. 1, 2021, it will be illegal for 187 countries, parties to the Basel Convention, to receive a variety of plastics from the United States. Plastic was officially added to the Basel Convention in 2019.
An October 2020 report from U.S. PIRG, Break the Waste Cycle: producer responsibility policies to move the U.S. towards zero waste, recommends producer responsibility as "a proven approach to reducing waste and improving recycling... Producer responsibility programs around the world have existed for decades and have successfully increased collection and recycling rates for the products they cover.
Resource Recycling published the third in a four-part series on EPR, the latest on Dec. 8, 2020 by Pierre Benabidès and Peter Hargreave, exploring the impacts associated with how outcomes are set: collection and recycling targets, accessibility, and other requirements.
A Dec. 2020 study by the University of Utrecht, supported by Reloop, Zero Waste Europe and Break Free From Plastic, analyzed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies to compare the impact of single-use packaging and the reusable alternatives, including beverage packaging, carrier bags, food containers and transport packaging.
In light of the challenges facing recycling systems, both Oregon and Washington concluded study and engagement processes regarding packaging and printed paper (PPP), both of which are expected to introduce legislation in 2021.
Canada is planning for "a ban on harmful single-use plastic items where there is evidence that they are found in the environment, are often not recycled, and have readily available alternatives.
