An executive order from Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam will phase out all single-use plastics at state agencies, colleges and universities.
The order bans state use of disposable plastic bags, single-use plastic and polystyrene food service containers, plastic straws and cutlery and single-use plastic water bottles that aren鈥檛 for medical or public-safety use. The ban takes effect in 120 days.
And then all non-medical, single-use plastics and polystyrene objects are scheduled to be reduced by 25% by Dec. 21, 2022; 50% by Dec. 31, 2023; 75% by Dec. 31, 2024, and fully eliminated by Dec. 31, 2025.
鈥淧lastics are the most pervasive type of marine debris in our ocean and along our coasts,鈥� the order says. 鈥淚n 2019 alone, volunteers collected more than 12,000 plastic bags and 13,000 plastic bottles, in addition to many other types of marine debris, from Virginia鈥檚 coastline.鈥�
A statement from Northam鈥檚 office cites an study that found that less than 9% of plastics in the U.S. are recycled.
The order also directs the secretary of natural resources to come up with recommendations to reduce solid waste overall.
