42 U.S.C. § 6914b: Degradable plastic ring…

Summary

Defines two terms used in this title. A “regulated item” is a plastic ring carrier that has at least one hole larger than 1¾ inches, is meant to hold multiple cans or bottles, and is shaped so it can tangle fish or other wildlife when thrown away. A “naturally degradable material” is a material that, when discarded, will break down into harmless parts under normal environmental forces, such as biological decomposition, photodegradation, or hydrolysis.

Title 42, §6914b

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

As used in this title—

(1)the term “regulated item” means any plastic ring carrier device that contains at least one hole greater than 1¾ inches in diameter which is made, used, or designed for the purpose of packaging, transporting, or carrying multipackaged cans or bottles, and which is of a size, shape, design, or type capable, when discarded, of becoming entangled with fish or wildlife; and

(2)the term “naturally degradable material” means a material which, when discarded, will be reduced to environmentally benign subunits under the action of normal environmental forces, such as, among others, biological decomposition, photodegradation, or hydrolysis.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This title, referred to in text, is title I of Pub. L. 100–556, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2779, which enacted section 6914b and 6914b–1 of this title, and provisions set out as a note under section 6914b of this title. For complete classification of this title to the Code, see Tables. Codification Section was not enacted as part of the Solid Waste Disposal Act which comprises this chapter.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Congressional Findings Pub. L. 100–556, title I, § 101, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2779, provided that: “The Congress finds that— “(1) plastic ring carrier devices have been found in large quantities in the marine environment; “(2) fish and wildlife have been known to have become entangled in plastic ring carriers; “(3) nondegradable plastic ring carrier devices can remain intact in the marine environment for decades, posing a threat to fish and wildlife; and “(4) 16 States have enacted laws requiring that plastic ring carrier devices be made from degradable material in order to reduce litter and to protect fish and wildlife.”

§6914b Degradable Plastic Ring Carriers; Definitions