Over the past year, the Surfrider Foundation has worked closely with U.S. Senator Tom Udall (NM) and U.S. Representative Alan Lowenthal (CA-47) to introduce bold federal legislation to tackle the plastic pollution crisis. The legislation is entitled the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act , introduced on February 11, 2020.

Every year, about 8 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the ocean from coastal nations. The United States alone disposes or incinerates 32 million tons of plastic each year. This bill recognizes that we cannot recycle our way out of this problem and provides a comprehensive approach to reducing plastic pollution.

The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act will:

Require producers of packaging, containers, and food-service products to design, manage, and finance waste and recycling programs.

Create a nationwide beverage container refund program.

Ban certain single-use plastic products that are not recyclable.

Ban single-use plastic carryout bags and place a fee on the distribution of remaining carryout bags.

Establish minimum recycled content requirements for beverage containers, packaging, and food-service products.

Spur massive investments in U.S. domestic recycling and composting infrastructure.

Prohibit plastic waste from being shipped to developing countries.

Protect state and local governments that enact more stringent standards.

Place a temporary pause on new plastic facilities until EPA updates and creates important regulations on those facilities.

Surfrider Foundation encourages our members and supporters to contact your federal elected officials and urge them to support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act.