Environment Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-928
AN ACT CONCERNING RECYCLED CONTENT FOR PRODUCTS SOLD IN
Title: CONNECTICUT.
Vote Date: 3/29/2021
Vote Action: JOINT FAVORABLE
PH Date: 3/19/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Rep. Mary M. Mushinsky, 85th Dist.
Rep. David Michel, 146th Dist.
REASONS FOR BILL:
To reduce the size of the waste stream, The Department of Energy and Environmental
Protection (DEEP), in consultation with stakeholders, will develop recommendation to
determine recycled content requirements.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Katie Dykes, Commissioner, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has partnered with
approximately 75 municipalities to investigate sustainable waste management solutions. The
group recommended establishing recycled content requirements. Recycled content
requirements create more demand for recycled materials. Increased market demand for
recycled materials leads to higher values for these materials, reduction of the waste stream
and a reduced recycle costs.
SB928 authorizes DEEP to pursue post-recycled consumer content in collaboration with
other stakeholders to establish standards.
Peter Hearn, Executive Director, Council on Environmental Quality
SB928 requires DEEP to develop recommendations for recycled content in Connecticut.
Current statutes require Connecticut to the use of goods with recycled materials and
discourage the purchase of single use items. Connecticut can act alone to influence
manufacturers to increase recycled content, SB928 directs DEEP to coordinate with other
states in consideration of recycled content requirements.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Matthew Knickerbocker, First Selectman, Town of Bethel
Recycled materials have little value to the market. SB928 increases demand for recovered
materials, increases product production efficiencies and lowers cost of recovery for
taxpayers.
Kim O'Rourke, Recycling Coordinator, Town of Middletown
SB928 develops standards with other partners and states. For the cost of recycling reduced,
increased recycled product standards must be in the products purchased.
Pamela Roach, CT Recyclers Coalition
Without markets, recycling programs will not succeed. Since China closed off its markets to
recyclables, what was once a profit center for municipalities is now a cost center. The
creation of a market for recyclables in Connecticut and other states in the region will lower
costs for municipalities and the creation of economic opportunity.
Peter DePasquale, Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs, Nestl Waters
North America
SB928 proposes recycled content standards to stabilize demands for recycled content to
stimulate demand for further investments and collection to stimulate regional demand.
Excessive amounts of beverage containers are used for other non-food applications.
Establishment of recycled content standards could make use of food grade recycled content
back into recycled food grade content.
The Environment Committee received an additional five testimonials in support of SB928.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Carol Martel, Northeastern Counsel, Wine Institute
The Wine Institute represents 1000 California Wineries and associate members. The Wine
Institute supports improved recycling objectives, the Wine Institute is concerned with an
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approach of individual states developing their own standards. Wine Institute encourages
Connecticut to work through a regional process, as individual state standards cause business
and market uncertainty.
Reported by: Steve Smith Date: 03/29/2021
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