holding producers acountable (for the waste they create).

• Author: Synoracki, Olivia
• Position: PROGRESS REPORT

THE PROBLEM

Big corporations blame the influx of trash tainting the planet on consumers, saying we need to recycle more. But even when we do our best, much of what we put into our recycling bins still ends up in a toxic landfill or incinerator. The problem is that large manufacturers keep churning out single-use packaging that can't be recycled.

Manufacturers should not be allowed to reap profits while their toxic products and packaging harm our health and environment--all while New England's cities and towns foot the bill to manage that waste. Only by dumping disposable products can we move towards more sustainable methods for managing our trash.

CLF IN ACTION

CLF launched its Zero Waste Project in 2017 to protect New England communities from the dangers posed by the trash crisis. In addition to opposing landfill and incinerator expansions across New England, CLF is tackling the waste crisis at its source by pushing to phase out single-use products and packaging.

The key to that work is holding large manufacturers accountable for the waste they create. CLF advocates are pushing for legislation called "Extended Producer

Responsibility for Packaging" across the region. When put into practice, this kind of law requires corporations that make and use single-use packaging--like Clorox and Johnson & Johnson--to reimburse cities and towns for the cost of managing their trash.

Putting the responsibility for the flood of single-use packaging waste back onto manufacturers provides a financial incentive for them to redesign their packaging to be truly recyclable--or, better yet, reusable.

PROGRESS

Earlier this year, CLF and its partners successfully pushed Maine's legislature to pass a first-in-the-nation bill that makes producers responsible for their packaging. The legislation will make recycling work for Mainers, not corporations.

Now, a fee will be imposed on each type of packaging (plastic, paper...