DOVER – The single-use plastics ban is continuing momentum in Delaware with another bill that seeks to ban the sale of beverages packaged in rings or other plastics connectors.
Senate Bill 263, introduced on Apr. 11 by Sen. Trey Paradee will limit the use of beverage container rings, plastic shrink wrap and other plastic connectors commonly used to package bottles and cans. The bill would not impact aseptic containers, such as juice boxes.
“As a mountain of evidence continues to pour in about the harmful effects of plastic in our environment and in our bodies, we simply cannot afford to keep doing things the same way and hope this problem solves itself,” Sen. Paradee said.
“The future of Delaware’s vibrant tourism industry demands that we step up now to reduce the volume of microplastics that is already threatening to choke the life out of our ocean, bays and marshes,” he said. “The legislation I sponsored today marks the next step in our ongoing work to protect the rights of future generations to share in the rich natural heritage of this great state.”
If passed, SB 263 would go in to effect on July 1, 2025.
Plastic beverage rings are also not easily recyclable, and the Delaware Solid Waste Authority does not accept them in the statewide single-stream recycling program.
“We’ve all seen pictures of animals stuck in plastic 6 pack rings and we know that they usually cannot survive once this happens to them,” Rep. Sophie Phillips said. “Our wildlife are essential to our ecosystem functioning properly, so decreasing the amount of plastic in our environment, one step at a time, will help ensure a strong and healthy planet for all of us.”
Senate Bill 263 has been assigned to the Senate Environment, Energy & Transportation Committee.
Last year, Delaware passed a ban on single-use plastics and polystyrene foam containers for restaurants that will go into effect July 1, 2025.
