The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) has released the following statement on Oregon’s new single-use plastics law, which bans restaurants and other food vendors from using expanded polystyrene food containers:

“Oregon’s new single-use plastics law is unnecessary given the state’s recently enacted extended producer responsibility (EPR) law,” said Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS President and CEO. “Rather than give the people of Oregon the chance to responsibly recycle materials, this law forces the costly replacement of recyclable containers with alternative materials that could create an even larger carbon footprint. The plastics industry wants to keep plastic out of the environment and in the economy; we are committed to eliminating waste, but a ban like this is potentially worse for the environment and increases costs for business owners and consumers.”