Single-Use Plastics to be Phased Out in the U.S.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland issued a new order which targets to reduce the procurement, sale and distribution of single-use plastic products and packaging within the country. The Secretary’s Order 3407 aims to phase out single-use plastic products on Department-managed lands by 2032.

The Order is part of the implementation of the Executive Order 14057 of President Biden, which urges federal agencies to minimize waste and support markets for recycled products. The items covered by the Order include single-use plastic products such as plastic and polystyrene food and beverage containers, bottles, straws, cups, cutlery and disposable plastic bags. Furthermore, the Order calls upon the Department to identify nonhazardous, environmentally preferable alternatives to single-use plastic products.

Secretary Haaland noted that bags made of paper, bioplastics and composite and reusable cloth or thicker plastic alternatives could easily replace single use plastic bags. Also, single-use plastic bottles could be replaced with bottles made of bio-based plastic, glass and aluminum, and laminated cartons and reusable bottles made of glass, aluminum or stainless steel. 

The Department’s sustainability plans will hereafter include bold actions on phasing out single-use plastic products.

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