A recent poll conducted by John Zogby Strategies and announced today by the Responsible Recycling Alliance (RRA) reveals strong opposition among Californians to proposed legislative measures that would ban reusable plastic film grocery bags and hinder their recyclability. The survey of 802 likely California voters, 99% of whom actively recycle, shows nearly 60% favoring a more sustainable approach over the current bills, AB 2236 and SB 1053, pending in the State Legislature.
The proposed bills aim to eliminate recyclable plastic film grocery bags, which millions of Californians use daily. Instead, respondents support integrating plastic film recyclers and reusable bag recyclers into the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Program established by SB 54 in 2022.
Roxanne Spiekerman, Vice President of Public Affairs for PreZero US, speaking on behalf of the RRA, emphasized bipartisan agreement on the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste in California. She criticized AB 2236 and SB 1053 as potentially detrimental to environmental efforts, arguing that they limit consumer choice to non-recyclable alternatives like imported canvas, sewn poly-woven or non-woven polypropylene, and paper bags, each carrying significant environmental drawbacks compared to plastic film bags. Additionally, she highlighted the bills’ potential economic impact, predicting job losses and increased grocery costs for Californians.
The poll reveals widespread opposition to the current legislative proposals across political parties and demographics. As awareness of the bills’ implications grows:
- 56% are less likely to support them upon learning about the non-recyclability of alternative bags.
- 51% are less likely to support due to the higher carbon footprint of paper bags.
- 49% are less likely to support as they perceive potential environmental harm.
- 53% are less likely to support given the increased costs of alternative bags.
Spiekerman also pointed out that the bills would disproportionately affect lower-income Californians, who are significant users of the current 10-cent plastic bags. These groups are also among the most frequent recyclers and re-users of these bags, which would no longer be an option under the proposed legislation.
The survey underscores the widespread use and reuse of plastic film bags among Californians, with 85% using them and 94% repurposing them for various household and recycling-related tasks.
The poll, conducted on May 6-7, 2024, provides critical insights into public sentiment regarding plastic bag recycling and legislative proposals in California.
