U.S. determining whether PVC plastic should be classified as hazardous waste

Earlier this month, it was announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States will be analyzing the toxic effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. PVC is commonly used in a range of products including consumer packaging, toys, electronics, and more. The EPA will have nine months to determine whether discarded PVC should be federally regulated as hazardous waste with a final determination expected in early 2024. If categorized as hazardous waste, a framework would have to be developed to ensure safe storage, treatment, and disposal.

RCC will be monitoring plastic trends closely as the Government of Canada will also be releasing final single-use plastic prohibition regulations and draft recycled content regulations this year. We are also keeping an eye on the modernization of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA) and retail reporting requirements for chemicals including BPA.