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# Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2023 This comprehensive bill aims to reduce plastic pollution across the United States through producer responsibility, single-use product bans, and environmental protections. ## Extended Producer Responsibility Program Beginning February 1, 2025, plastic manufacturers and beverage container producers must join Producer Responsibility Organizations to meet strict performance targets. These organizations must ensure that by 2033 all covered products and beverage containers are reusable, recyclable, or compostable. Organizations must achieve recycling rates of at least 50 percent by 2030, increasing to 75 percent by 2050. Producers must also reduce single-use plastic by 25 percent by 2032 and 50 percent by 2050 through source reduction strategies like shifting to reusable packaging. Small businesses with less than $1 million in annual revenue are exempt from participation requirements. ## Beverage Container Deposit System A national deposit system requires producers and retailers to charge deposits on beverage containers (at least $0.10 per container). Consumers receive refunds when they return empty containers to retailers or redemption centers. Large retailers (5,000+ square feet) must accept any brand and size of container, while small retailers can limit returns. Producer Responsibility Organizations must establish and operate redemption centers and support curbside collection programs. ## Single-Use Product Bans The bill prohibits single-use plastic bags, polystyrene foam food service products, and most plastic utensils beginning in 2024-2025. Retailers may only provide reusable bags or paper bags (minimum $0.10 each). Food service businesses must provide accessories like napkins and utensil packets only upon customer request. Lodging establishments with more than 50 rooms must eliminate small plastic bottles of personal care products within 180 days. Black plastic food containers and noncompostable produce stickers are prohibited. ## Toxic Substances and Environmental Justice By 2026-2027, packaging cannot contain toxic substances, and plastic beverages containers must be composed of increasing percentages of post-consumer recycled content (15 percent by 2025, rising to 60 percent by 2040). The bill establishes a moratorium on new plastic production facility permits during the implementation period. New facilities cannot be sited within 5 miles of

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