Solving the Plastic Crisis Starts with Strong Public Policy

Plastic waste demands collective action to address the crisis on a global scale. In the United States, the most impactful step we can take is advocating for federal Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, which holds companies accountable for the plastic they use.

But plastic waste is a global problem, so a strong international treaty to combat plastic pollution is also needed. A treaty is in the works that establishes consistent global standards, fosters collaboration, and ensures accountability across all nations. This is critical for addressing the significant amount of plastic waste that enters rivers and oceans from developing countries. It would provide crucial support for improving waste management infrastructure and tackling plastic pollution at its source.

From the products we purchase to the policies we support, every choice we make has the power to shape a more sustainable future. Let’s choose a future free from plastic pollution.

Sign the petition today and make your voice heard.

What is EPR?

EPR shifts the burden of plastic waste management from consumers and taxpayers to the companies that use plastic in their products and packaging. By requiring brands and manufacturers to finance and manage the collection, processing, and recycling of their packaging, EPR incentivizes sustainable design, promotes innovation in refillable products, and drives the development of a more robust recycling infrastructure.

Why now?

While current EPR efforts at the state level reflect a positive trend, a national standard is essential for maximizing efficiency. A federal EPR policy would streamline recycling programs across all states, accelerating progress toward a circular plastic economy and dramatically reduce plastic waste.

SC Johnson, along with other leading companies in the Consumer Goods Forum’s Plastic Waste Coalition of Action, recognizes the transformative potential of EPR and actively supports its implementation.

Join us in urging policymakers to enact this critical legislation and pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Recycle BC: A Proven Model for EPR

British Columbia's Recycle BC program stands as a shining example of how EPR can dramatically reduce waste. As North America’s first comprehensive EPR program for packaging and paper, Recycle BC provides residential recycling services to over two million households, shifting the financial burden from taxpayers to the producers of these materials.²¹ This innovative, not-for-profit organization, funded and operated by the very businesses supplying packaging and paper products, has become a global model for effective EPR implementation.

Over the past decade, Recycle BC has achieved remarkable results, collecting nearly 2.2 million tons of recyclables and investing over $1 billion in recycling infrastructure and programs.²¹ In 2023 alone, they recovered an impressive 221,000 tons of materials, boasting a 79.6% recovery rate overall, including a significant 43% recovery rate for plastics.²¹ These impressive figures demonstrate the power of EPR to drive significant improvements in recycling rates and create a more sustainable approach to managing packaging waste. Recycle BC's success provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of EPR programs and serves as a powerful case study for other jurisdictions considering similar initiatives.