Plastic waste is accumulating at an alarming rate globally, with each person generating an average of 1.6 pounds of plastic waste daily, according to the World Bank. In response, the Biden administration has introduced the first-ever national strategy to combat this growing environmental crisis. Released in July 2024, the strategy focuses on five key areas: plastic production, product design, waste generation, waste management, and plastic capture and removal. This plan comes as 175 nations are negotiating a binding international treaty to address plastic pollution, with a target completion date of late 2024.

As the world’s largest economy, the U.S. plays a critical role in these efforts, and the new strategy details several actions that federal agencies are currently pursuing. Sarah J. Morath, an environmental law expert from Wake Forest University, highlights the importance of the U.S. plan in tackling the complex issue of plastic pollution. She believes that the strategy, while promising, still has some notable gaps.

One key proposal in the plan is the development of a federal standard for measuring microplastics. These tiny plastic fragments have been detected in various environments, including the atmosphere, drinking water, and even human food chains. While their effects on human health are not yet fully understood, they are known to harm wildlife, particularly marine species. Currently, there is no standardized federal method for measuring microplastics in different media such as water or soil. The Biden administration’s plan calls for creating consistent methods to collect and quantify microplastics, which will allow scientists to produce reliable data that regulators can use to set limits on their presence in food, water, and air. California has already taken steps in this direction with a 2023 monitoring program for microplastics in drinking water.

Another critical aspect of the U.S. strategy is the concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR). Plastics often contain chemicals that enhance their properties, such as bisphenols and phthalates, which have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems. Certain types of plastic, like PVC and polystyrene, are particularly hazardous, but are still treated as regular solid waste. Currently, only 5% of plastic waste in the U.S. is recycled, while 9% is incinerated, and the remaining 86% is buried in landfills.

EPR laws, which already exist for products like electronics and paint, require producers to take responsibility for the disposal of their products. These laws incentivize companies to create more environmentally friendly products and support recycling. States such as California, Maine, Oregon, and Colorado have already adopted EPR laws for plastics, and about a dozen more are considering similar measures. The Biden administration’s plan proposes launching a national EPR initiative that would allow local governments to craft their own approaches while providing a framework for a harmonized national system.

In addition to EPR, the U.S. plan addresses the issue of single-use plastics, which are among the most common pollutants. Items like shopping bags, food wrappers, and plastic bottles are used once and discarded, contributing significantly to plastic waste. The strategy aims to phase out the use of unnecessary single-use plastics by federal agencies by 2035. While this applies only to federal operations, the U.S. government is the largest purchaser of goods and services globally, meaning this policy could have a far-reaching impact on reducing plastic use and promoting alternatives.

Despite these promising steps, one major gap in the U.S. strategy is the absence of a cap on plastic production. Global plastic production is projected to double by 2040, exacerbating the already severe plastic waste problem. The High Ambition Coalition, a group of 66 countries co-chaired by Norway and Rwanda, has been advocating for a 40% reduction in plastic production by 2040. This proposal remains under discussion in the ongoing global treaty negotiations.

Plastic manufacturers argue that capping production would increase costs and suggest alternatives such as using more recycled materials and improving recycling rates. Given the economic influence of the U.S. plastics industry, Morath believes it is unlikely that the U.S. will support a cap on production. However, Congress could consider domestic measures, such as the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which includes a temporary pause on permits for new plastic production facilities.

As negotiations for the global treaty continue, the U.S. national strategy represents a significant step forward in addressing plastic pollution. With its focus on reducing plastic waste, holding producers accountable, and improving waste management, the plan marks a shift in how the U.S. is tackling this environmental crisis. While there is still much work to be done, this strategy is an important move toward a more sustainable future.