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2016 California Code
Public Resources Code - PRC
DIVISION 12.7 - PLASTIC WASTE
CHAPTER 2 - Containers and Packaging
Section 18015.

Universal Citation:
CA Pub Res Code ยง 18015 (2016)
Learn more This media-neutral citation is based on the American Association of Law Libraries Universal Citation Guide and is not necessarily the official citation.

18015. (a) All rigid plastic bottles and rigid plastic containers sold in California on and after January 1, 1992, shall be labeled with a code which indicates the resin used to produce the rigid plastic bottle or rigid plastic container. Rigid plastic bottles or rigid plastic containers with labels and basecups of a different material shall be coded by their basic material. The code shall consist of a number placed inside a triangle, and letters placed below the triangle. The triangle shall be equilateral, formed by three arrows with the apex of each point of the triangle at the midpoint of each arrow, rounded with a short radius. The pointer (arrowhead) of each arrow shall be at the midpoint of each side of the triangle with a short gap separating the pointer from the base of the adjacent arrow. The triangle, formed by the three arrows curved at their midpoints shall depict a clockwise path around the code number. The numbers and letters used shall be as follows:

1 = PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)

2 = HDPE (high density polyethylene)

3 = V (vinyl)

4 = LDPE (low density polyethylene)

5 = PP (polypropylene)

6 = PS (polystyrene)

7 = OTHER (includes multilayer)

(b) A 7 shall appear below the resin abbreviation when the bottle or container is composed of more than one layer of that resin.

(c) On and after January 1, 1989, the Division of Recycling of the Department of Conservation shall maintain a list of abbreviations used on labels pursuant to subdivision (a) and shall provide a copy of that list to any person upon request.

(Amended by Stats. 1989, Ch. 37, Sec. 1. Effective June 8, 1989.)

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