(a) Until January 1, 1997, the criteria specified in Section 42310 shall not apply to any rigid plastic packaging container that is manufactured for use with food or cosmetics, as defined in subdivisions (f) and (i) of Section 321 of Title 21 of the United States Code.
(b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), rigid plastic packaging containers actually recycled shall be included in calculating the recycling rate pursuant to subdivision (b) or (c) of Section 42310.
(c) Every manufacturer of a product packaged in a rigid plastic packaging container described in subdivision (a), which is not in compliance with Section 42310, that is exempt from the criteria specified in Section 42310 pursuant to subdivision (a), shall do both of the following:
(1) On or before December 1, 1995, the manufacturer shall submit a report to the board which demonstrates that the manufacturer is taking, and will continue to take, all feasible actions consistent with Section 42310 to ensure the reduction, recycling, or reuse of the rigid plastic packaging containers described in subdivision (a) and the development and expansion of markets for rigid plastic packaging containers. Those actions may include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(A) The use of postconsumer recycled plastic in rigid plastic packaging containers sold in this state.
(B) The use of postconsumer recycled plastic in other packaging materials sold or manufactured in this state.
(C) The use of postconsumer recycled plastic in other products sold or manufactured in this state.
(D) Arranging for the use of postconsumer recycled plastic collected for recycling in this state in the manufacture of nonrigid plastic packaging container products or packaging of another entity.
(E) The procurement of products containing postconsumer recycled plastic, including, but not limited to, trash bags, trash containers, pallets, carpeting, slip sheets, and shrink wrap.
(F) The demonstration of financial investment in recycled plastic collecting, processing, and remanufacturing activities in the state.
(2) On or before January 1, 1996, every manufacturer of rigid plastic packaging containers shall, for any rigid plastic packaging container that is exempt from, and not in compliance with, the criteria specified in Section 42310 pursuant to subdivision (a), diligently seek one or more “nonobjection letters” from the United States Food and Drug Administration which will permit the manufacturer of rigid plastic packaging containers to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of the rigid plastic packaging containers described in subdivision (a).
(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1227, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 1995.)