Title 42 — The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73

§6914b–1 Regulation of plastic ring carriers

Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 82— - SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER II— - OFFICE OF SOLID WASTE; AUTHORITIES OF THE ADMINISTRATOR › § 6914b–1

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

Within 24 months after October 28, 1988, the EPA Administrator must make rules saying certain items used in the United States have to be made of materials that naturally break down after being thrown away, unless the Administrator finds it isn’t feasible or the breakdown products are worse for the environment than items that don’t break down. The rules must set the shortest breakdown time that still lets the item work and stay intact while used, and must give businesses a reasonable time to comply, including using existing stock.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §6914b–1

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Not later than 24 months after October 28, 1988 (unless the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency determines that it is not feasible or that the byproducts of degradable regulated items present a greater threat to the environment than nondegradable regulated items), the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall require, by regulation, that any regulated item intended for use in the United States shall be made of naturally degradable material which, when discarded, decomposes within a period established by such regulation. The period within which decomposition must occur after being discarded shall be the shortest period of time consistent with the intended use of the item and the physical integrity required for such use. Such regulation shall allow a reasonable time for affected parties to come into compliance, including the use of existing inventories.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Codification Section was not enacted as part of the Solid Waste Disposal Act which comprises this chapter.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 6914b–1

Title 42 — The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73