There is a newer version of the California Code
2007 California Public Resources Code Chapter 5.7. Biodegradable And Compostable Plastic Bags
CA Codes (prc:42355-42357)
PUBLIC RESOURCES CODESECTION 42355-42357
42355. The Legislature finds and declares that it is the public policy of the state that environmental marketing claims, whether explicit or implied, should be substantiated by competent and reliable evidence to prevent deceiving or misleading consumers about the environmental impact of plastic bags. For consumers to have accurate and useful information about the environmental impact of plastic bags and packages, environmental marketing claims should adhere to uniform and recognized standards, including those standard specifications established by the American Society for Testing and Materials. 42356. For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply: (a) "ASTM" means the American Society for Testing and Materials. (b) "ASTM standard specification" means a definition found in the Style and Form Guide for ASTM Standards and does not include an ASTM Standard Guide, a Standard Practice, or a Standard Test Method. (c) "Manufacturer" means a person, firm, association, partnership, or corporation that produces a plastic bag. (d) "Supplier" means a person who does one or more of the following: (1) Sells, offers for sale, or offers for promotional purposes, a plastic bag that is used by a person to contain a product. (2) Takes title to a plastic bag produced either domestically or in a foreign country, that is purchased for resale or promotional purposes. 42357. (a) A person shall not sell a plastic bag in this state that is labeled with the term "compostable," "biodegradable," "degradable," or any form of those terms, or in anyway imply that the bag will break down in a landfill, composting, marine, or other natural terrestrial environment, unless, at the time of the sale, the plastic bag meets a current ASTM standard specification for the term used on the label. (b) A manufacturer or supplier, upon the request of a member of the public, shall submit to that member, within 90 days of the request, information and documentation demonstrating compliance with this chapter, in a format that is easy to understand and scientifically accurate.
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