The Solution: Senate Bill 45
Senate Bill 45 offers a direct and effective solution to plastic cap pollution by requiring beverage manufacturers to tether caps to bottles. Loose plastic caps are among the most common items found in coastal cleanups, posing a severe risk to marine life and often escaping recycling systems due to their small size. By ensuring caps remain attached to bottles, SB 45 prevents them from becoming litter or ending up in landfills, where they can break down into harmful microplastics. This simple yet impactful change enhances recycling efficiency by keeping caps with their containers, making them easier to process and divert from the waste stream.
The bill builds on successful implementation in the European Union, where tethered caps have significantly reduced single-use plastic waste. SB 45 not only protects California’s iconic coastline and marine ecosystems but also addresses the broader issue of microplastic pollution that impacts human and environmental health. By tackling the root of the problem—loose caps that are easily discarded—this legislation creates a scalable, long-term solution that aligns with global best practices for reducing plastic waste and preserving natural resources.
