South Atlantic Strategy for Trash Free Waters

-------
Table of Contents

Acknowledgements	2

Executive Summary	3

Trash Free Waters - A Primer	5

Approach	7

Introduction	7

Assessment	7

State Based Workshops	7

The Path Forward	8

The Six Goals of the South Atlantic Strategy	10

References	25

1

-------
Acknowledgements

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would like to acknowledge all the
local stakeholders and state and federal partners in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia,
and Florida who contributed to the development of the South Atlantic Strategy. They provided
us with valuable information regarding local barriers, needs and opportunities to address trash
issues in Southeastern watersheds. Participants also shared insights on successful efforts to
build upon. We also recognize the Kearns & West consulting firm for convening and facilitating
the 2021 stakeholder workshops.

2

-------
Executive Summary

The EPA Trash Free Waters (TFW) Program works to reduce and prevent trash from entering
U.S. waters and the ocean. The goal of the TFW Program is to reduce the volume of trash
entering our waters by working with partners to implement collaborative solutions that target
land-based sources.

The South Atlantic Strategy (SAS) focuses on the south Atlantic region encompassing North
Carolina, South Carolina, and the eastern regions of Georgia and Florida. This strategy
document aims to help these four coastal states and their municipalities, businesses, non-
governmental organizations, and concerned citizens work together to explore more effective
ways to reduce the amount of litter and packaging waste that enters their waterways. This
document contains a summary of the stakeholder engagement conducted during 12
assessment interviews in April 2021, and four statewide and two regional workshops conducted
in May and June 2021.

This strategy document leverages past work at the federal and state levels and leads to the next
phases of activity in the south Atlantic. The strategy consists of six goals developed over the
course of two months from dialogue among stakeholders during workshops. These stakeholder
goals are to:

1)	Encourage the use of best practices to reduce downstream litter accumulation;

2)	Form public, private, and philanthropic partnerships to obtain necessary resources for
litter capture, reduction, and prevention;

3)	Standardize trash data so that decision makers in the region can understand sources and
conduits to tailor litter-reduction approaches;

4)	Encourage source reduction by affecting behavior change and increasing awareness of
the impact of upstream communities on coastal areas;

5)	Ensure that communities enact and enforce laws that prevent and reduce littering;

6)	Develop and advance access to circular economy models and other sustainable
materials management practices.

These goals will help accomplish the main objective of SAS - to implement local, state, and
regional solutions for reducing the flow of litter, debris, and microplastics into Southeastern
watersheds and the Atlantic Ocean. Stakeholders provided input on developing these six goals
and discussed potential future projects.

This document provides the primary concerns and priorities of stakeholders with respect to
trash. The overarching concern of participants was lack of resources and capacities to address
trash issues within their communities. Stakeholders also shared other concerns, including lack
of communication among thought leaders within the four states, the increased presence of
single-use disposable plastics, the need for regulatory reform in stormwater management, and

3

-------
the expansion of enforcement authorities and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) - a policy
approach where the financial physical responsibility for treating or disposing of post-consumer
products is shifted to producers and manufacturers.

The intent of the SAS goals and potential projects are to provide local stakeholders with a
compendium of ideas and approaches to guide regional efforts into the future.

4

-------
Trash Free Waters-A Primer

The amount of waste from U.S. consumers continues to rise, more than tripling between 1960
and 2018 (EPA, 2020). When consumer goods are littered or improperly managed, this trash is
transported from inland areas to coasts by wind, stormwater conveyances, and streams and
rivers.

It is estimated that only 20% of marine litter originates from sea-based sources, including lost
or abandoned fishing gear, traps, and accidental or intentional dumping from ships (EPA, 2016).
Most of the marine litter catalogued on beaches comes from land-based sources, largely single-
use, disposable plastic packaging.

However, this plastic litter does not collect on beaches alone. Plastic is found globally, floating
at the surface, suspended throughout the water column, and residing on the floor of almost all
fresh and saltwater bodies. Approximately eight million tons of plastic end up in our oceans
every year and account for 80% of all marine debris from surface waters to deep-sea sediments
(IUCN, 2018). Models suggest that mismanaged trash and litter that is transported from rivers
into oceans tends to accumulate in the central oceanic gyres within two years (EPA, 2017).
Plastics persist in the environment for decades, breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces
called microplastics.

The EPA's TFW Program aims to reduce and prevent trash from entering U.S. waters and the
ocean. The program plays a unique role in helping states, municipalities, businesses, non-
governmental organizations, and concerned citizens work together to explore more effective
ways to reduce the amount of litter entering waters. Cross-sector partnerships are essential
components of the program (Figure A). The EPA has provided technical and financial support
for numerous projects designed to reduce trash from entering waterways by addressing
upstream sources.

-------
Aquatic Trash is an issue that permeates many environmental programs.
Through partnerships we can work together to tackle this challenge.

WETLANDS

Trash Free Waters partners with the Wetlands
Program to ensure that trash prevention
is an element of wetlands protection
and restoration projects.

STORMWATER

Trash Free Waters partners with the Stormwater
Program to help reduce the huge amount
of trash that enters U.S. waterways
via stormwater outfalls.

URBAN WATERS

Trash Free Waters partners with the Urban
Waters Program to support waterfront
revitalization in major U.S. cities
and urban communities S

across the U.S.

TRASH FREE WATERS
PROGRAM

Trash prevention is an important part of
many other EPA programs that work to
create cleaner and healthier waterways.

ESTUARIES

Trash Free Waters partners with the National
Estuary Program to support trash prevention

Vand clean-up efforts in major a
estuarine ecosystems. f

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES

Trash Free Waters partners with com m unity- 1
based programs to provide help for /
L trash prevention and recycling efforts /
in rural and suburban f
communities. ^^0

SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS MANAGEMENT

Trash Free Waters supports innovative
programs to reduce, recycle, and reuse k
plastic packaging, and thereby prevent I
. littering and improper disposal S
oftrash.

The Office of International and Tribal Affairs
works with other countries and international
^organizations to pursue Trash Free Waters A
goals outside the U.S.

-------
Approach

Introduction

Since its inception in 2013, the Trash Free Waters Program has launched dozens of projects on
national, regional, state, and local levels. Project support and implementation for these projects
has been guided by the development of strategies that prioritize efforts made by willing
stakeholders with available resources. The first of these strategies was published for the mid-
Atlantic Region in 2014. It was followed soon after by a Gulf of Mexico Strategy in 2016, and
other strategies have evolved in the years since.

The Eastern Continental Divide separates the four SAS-focused states with watersheds that
drain to the Atlantic Ocean from those that drain to the Gulf of Mexico. Most of North and
South Carolina drain into the Atlantic Ocean, while the western watersheds of Georgia and
Florida drain into the Gulf. This strategy only focuses on watersheds that drain into the Atlantic
Ocean.

The South Atlantic Strategy's four coastal states include a diverse array of natural features from
Florida's Everglades to North Carolina's Outer Banks. Participants from each state brought
unique perspectives on local barriers and opportunities.

Assessment

An initial evaluation was conducted by interviewing thought leaders with relevant knowledge of
marine litter reduction and prevention. Representatives from each state with expertise in water
quality, watershed management, and sustainable materials management were interviewed.
These 45- to 60-minute structured interviews were designed to identify existing trash-
abatement efforts and potential "project champions" who would lead future efforts. The
interviews also provided information on data gaps, barriers to local projects, and opportunities
for advancing litter prevention.

The consulting team also reviewed National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Marine Debris Action Plans from Florida, North Carolina, and the Southeast to avoid duplication
of efforts, leverage existing progress, and identify opportunities for collaboration.

State Based Workshops

The EPA invited thought leaders to three-hour virtual sessions in the following states:

• South Carolina on May 12, 2021

• Florida on May 13, 2021

• Georgia on May 18, 2021

• North Carolina on May 20, 2021

In these initial sessions, participants described trash-abatement efforts, which primarily
consisted of cleanup events. The EPA stressed that upstream source reduction should be a

-------
priority for any project proposed as part of the SAS. During the first-round sessions, participants
highlighted the proliferation of single-use plastics and cigarette butts in coastal areas, and
abandoned tires and appliances in rural areas of the Southeast. Further, participants reflected
on the potential benefits of regulatory reform related to stormwater management and the
need to expand enforcement authorities. Extended Producer Responsibility was another
concern.

Due to the virtual nature of the sessions, participants used an online collaborative whiteboard
technology, Miro, to refine the goals that emerged from the initial interviews and develop
project concepts for state and local implementation.

Following the first round of workshops, the EPA blended all state goals into six overarching goals
for the south Atlantic area.

For the second and final round of discussions, the EPA combined representatives from two states
into two-hour workshops:

• Florida and Georgia on June 29, 2021

• North Carolina and South Carolina on July 1, 2021

After initial discussions on the blended regional goals, workshop participants shared project
concepts and identified potential project champions via another virtual collaborative
technology, RetroBoard.

The Path Forward
Additional work includes:

1) Prioritizing projects for implementation in the south Atlantic watershed;

2) Identifying project champions to lead priority projects; and

3) Establishing a SAS working group.

The project champion guides efforts from project proposal, through implementation, to
completion. The champion should be a leader in a community who can coordinate effectively
with local government, businesses, NGOs, and citizens.

The goals and potential project concepts in the following section were suggested by workshop
participants. Stakeholders can use the comprehensive list of project ideas below to prioritize
which activities should be implemented as resources become available.

-------
GOALS

COALS DEVELOPED FROM THE
STATE BASED DIALOGUES

J

The South Atlantic Strategy for Trash Free Waters
contains six stakeholder-driven goals, each of
which has recommended projects that would
address sources of trash pollution and thereby
reduce the flow of litter, debris and microplastics
into coastal watersheds and the Atlantic Ocean.

-------
The Six Goals of the South Atlantic Strategy

The South Atlantic Strategy for Trash Free Waters contains six stakeholder-driven goals, each of
which has recommended projects that would address sources of trash pollution and thereby
reduce the flow of litter, debris and microplastics into coastal watersheds and the Atlantic
Ocean.

Goal 1: Encourage the use of best practices to reduce downstream litter accumulation.

Goal 2: Form public, private, and philanthropic partnerships to obtain necessary resources for
litter capture, reduction, and prevention.

Goal 3: Standardize trash data so that decision makers in the region can understand sources
and conduits to tailor litter-reduction approaches.

Goal 4: Encourage source reduction by affecting behavior change and increasing awareness of
the impact of upstream communities on coastal areas.

Goal 5: Ensure that communities enact and enforce laws that prevent and reduce littering.

Goal 6: Develop and advance access to circular economy models and other sustainable
materials management practices.

10

-------
GOAL #1

Encourage the use of best practices to reduce
downstream litter accumulation.

1>1 Encourage Best Practices

Communities should learn and benefit from each other by sharing information on Best
Management Practices (BMPs) that are proven to help reduce and prevent litter.

1.1.1

Come up with a collection of best practices for municipal waste and water
systems on design and maintenance practices (street sweeping, storm-drain
catchments, trash can siting, etc.).

1.1.2

Create a toolkit of successful approaches to address local littering issues including
education, enforcement, and prevention.

1.1.3

Establish and maintain a database of proven technologies stormwater
professionals have implemented. Interactive features would allow users to share
feedback regarding best practices and technologies.

1.1.4

Launch a best practices webinar series.

1.1.5

Develop and expand upon existing stormwater and waste management BMP
training courses required as "Continuing Education" for not only licensed
professionals, but also for elected officials, neighborhood representatives, etc.

11

-------
1.2 Student Competitions

Competitions can be used to inspire creativity and share innovative ideas for addressing trash
and litter issues.

1.2.1 Develop an academic competition, where sponsors set an annual challenge, and
then K-12 schools compete for regional awards.

1.2.2 Develop an academic competition, where sponsors set an annual challenge, and
then colleges and universities compete for regional awards.

1.3 Universal Waste Management and Waste Amnesty Day

Improving access and ease of use for proper waste management can reduce improper
disposal of waste.

1.3.1

Increase access to waste management services, such as payment for plastic at
recycling drop-off locations, and/or expansion of curbside pick-up, tire deposit, and
chemical and electronics disposal, especially for underserved and rural communities.

1.3.2

Reduce barriers to proper waste and recycling disposal by minimizing cost and/or
providing economic incentives and improving ease of use (especially for low-income
and rural communities).

1.3.3

Reduce illegal dumping by supporting county/city waste amnesty days.

1.4 Project Implementation

Communities should consider including public awareness components when implementing
litter reduction and prevention projects.

1.4.1

Expand the existing focus on coastal cleanups to include upstream source-reduction
efforts that address the issues at their sources.

1.4.2

Utilize special events permits as an opportunity to educate organizers of large-scale
events on best practices.

1.4.3

Deploy innovative trash capture technologies and expand existing pilot projects
through increased community engagement and lessons learned for others.

1.4.4

Create toolkits to address local littering issues that address education, enforcement,
and prevention.

1.4.5

Create a multilingual awareness campaign or video library outlining actions a
homeowner can take before a storm to reduce litter.

-------
GOAL #2

Form public, private, and philanthropic partnerships to
obtain necessary resources for litter capture, reduction,
and prevention.

2.1 Hospitality & Recreational Sector Designations and Certifications

Designation or certification programs should incentivize businesses that use reusable and/or
biodegradable products or adopt single-use product consumption standards. Hotels,
restaurants, marinas, and other recreation and tourism sectors could influence consumer
behavior by rewarding and recognizing voluntary contributions to litter and waste reduction
efforts.

2.1.1	Develop voluntary sustainable business certifications on a community-wide scale
that can be jointly run by local governments and nonprofit organizations, with
joint funding from community foundations and government grants.

2.1.2	Work with the restaurant industry to implement (or expand upon an existing)
blue-certification or "ocean-friendly" restaurant designation program to
incentivize new restaurant standards for single-use product consumption and
waste, pollution, and the transition to reusable or biodegradable products.

13

-------
2.2 Regionwide Marine Litter Conferences and Dialogues

Information exchange and collaboration among stakeholder groups in the south Atlantic
region can promote efficiencies and avoid duplication of efforts with respect to litter
reduction.

2.2.1

Host a region-wide conference among Keep America Beautiful State and Regional
Affiliates and/or local Riverkeepers.

2.2.2

Convene existing groups (state-wide water coalitions, NGO working groups, NOAA
Marine Debris workgroups, etc.) in informative discussions on litter-reduction
policies and practices.

2.2.3

Engage state-based recycling organizations in marine litter reduction and prevention
dialogue and strategies including the Southeast Recycling Development Collaborative
(SERDC), Southern Waste Information exchange, Recycle Florida Today, Georgia
Recycling Coalition, Carolina Recycling Association, and others.

2.3 One Federal Family

Federal agencies in the southeast should collaborate in the reduction and prevention of
marine litter to promote efficiencies and avoid duplication of efforts. SAS projects should
specifically address upstream sources of litter and mismanaged trash, while other federal
projects address marine debris in near-shore and oceanic environments.

2.3.1 Communicate clear and common goals related to litter management, water quality,
and ocean health among federal agencies and to the public.

2.3.2 Share data, analysis, and conclusions between federal agencies to provide a better
common understanding of the sources, impacts, and potential solutions to marine
litter.

-------
2.4 The Uncommon Dialogue

Spur innovative problem solving through non-traditional engagement formats and
collaborations. This would attract a larger and more diverse group of participants to address
litter problems virtually or in person.

2.4.1

Convene hackathons - events where subject-matter experts and empowered
citizens can come together to solve complex environmental problems through
creative teamwork and innovative approaches - focused on the reduction and
prevention of aquatic trash, litter, and microplastics.

2.4.2

Set up a funding event between private sector organizations, foundations, and
philanthropies as well as project champions and supporting constituencies to
support SAS work. Project champions can present turnkey solutions and hope for a
match with a prospective funder.

2.4.3

Develop Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) projects to solve litter
problems. Many CBSM projects result in environmental improvements through
voluntary human behavior changes.

2.4.4

Develop an academic competition where sponsors set an annual challenge, and
then K-12 schools or colleges and universities compete for regional awards.

2.4.5

Implement an award program (e.g., Green Awards or Beautification Awards) so
municipalities can recognize local businesses and organizations working to
address littering and reduce the consumption of single-use items.

15

-------
GOAL # 3

Standardize trash data so that decision makers in the
region can understand sources and conduits to tailor
litter-reduction approaches.

3.1 Uniformity of Litter-Data Collection

Decision makers need reliable litter-coilection data to make informed decisions. Having basic
uniformity within data collection reporting can help leaders address litter and trash issues
across the south Atlantic region.

3.1.1

Convene a dialogue among leading agencies regarding the differences among data-
collection protocols and mobile/online applications.

3.1.2

Establish a central, publicly accessible hub for sharing litter data in the region that
synthesizes citizen science data from various platforms (e.g., Marine Debris
Tracker, Clean Swell, Litterati, etc.).

3.1.3

Improve data comparability across time and geographies by using existing tools like

the EPA's Escaped Trash Assessment Protocol (ETAP) or other widely used lists in
the Marine Debris Tracker.

16

-------
3.2 Litter Hotspots, Conduits and Conveyances

State and local leadership, along with citizens, should identify litter hotspots along with the

conduits that transport litter into waterways and oceans to effectively address the sources.

3.2.1	Identify and share recommendations on reducing the most littered items found in
the Southeast and craft potential approaches to identify source locations.

3.2.2	Identify potential litter hotspots using existing data from local cleanup events
overlayed with GIS layers of local watersheds.

3.2.3	Trace the movement of litter through conduits and conveyances to inform strategic
placement of catchment devices. Mapping of source pathways can inform municipal
leaders of the most appropriate siting of infrastructure improvements and other
interventions.

3.3 Data Analysis

Encourage increased use of new and existing data compiled by existing authorities and local

organizations.

3.3.1	Encourage municipalities and organizations to report any pertinent litter data to
local decision-makers and suggest approaches to address potential sources.

3.3.2	Encourage state stormwater permit writers to incorporate effective trash
provisions using existing data.

3.3.3	Encourage municipal stormwater managers to use data to inform trash mitigation
practices in stormwater management plans.

17

-------
GOAL #4

Encourage source reduction by affecting behavior
change and increasing awareness of the impact of
upstream communities on coastal areas.

4.1 Connect People with Place

Commuriity-based TFW efforts have proved to be most successful when local citizens, NGOs,
businesses, and government leaders are organized to share information and resources and
collectively implement trash source reductions.

4.1.1

Utilize Community-Based Social Marketing (CBSM) to promote programs which
encourage citizens to voluntarily adopt environmentally friendly behaviors (i.e.,
reduce use of single-use plastics).

4.1.2

Showcase an art exhibit or public display at an aquarium, city hall, or other public
space or use community events such as fairs, festivals, and town halls to connect
citizens, businesses, and government leaders to the localized litter issue and share
information and resources.

4.1.3

Implement an interactive social media campaign which asks individuals to pledge or
commit to consuming fewer single-use plastics.

4.1.4

Utilize sites like Meetuo.com and VolunteerCleanup.Org (e.g.. Florida) - free
community website resources - that connect cleanup hosts with volunteers looking
to attend cleanups and invest in their communities.

4.1.5

Encourage Keep America Beautiful affiliates to expand local adopt-a-spot programs
(e.g., roads, lakes, parks, shorelines, etc.).

4.1.6

Promote reward programs that incentivize action on marine litter.

18

-------
4.2 Interactive Educational Programs at K-12 Levels

Education should include lessons on the impact of trash, plastics, and microplastics on water
quality and the food chain. When equipped with this knowledge, younger generations often
influence adult behavior.

4.2.1	Develop science modules on the sources and quantities of aquatic trash and
transport of litter and microplastics that meet current "STEM" standards - Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics standards.

4.2.2	Promote waste management and marine-litter related community service programs
to students.

4.2.3	Build capacity and passion by setting up marine litter-related intern programs for
local organizations and governments.

4.3 Higher Learning and Experiential Training

TFW education should continue into collegiate coursework and activities and beyond to
enhance awareness and encourage environmental stewardship.

4.3.1

Incorporate marine litter-related coursework into non-environmental classes such
as statistics, law, policy, and psychology.

4.3.2

Provide opportunities for students to collect and present data at professional
convenings at the local and regional level.

4.3.3

Improve waste disposal behaviors and reduce single-use plastic consumption at
college and university campuses.

4.3.4

Develop an interactive educational program that helps bridge the urban-coastal
divide by highlighting the impacts of urban activity on downstream communities.

19

-------
4.4 Extend Outreach Programs Designed for Equitable and Inclusive Engagement

Litter reduction projects should address underserved communities which have not

historically had the tools and resources to address these issues.

4.4.1	Focus funding and resources on communities most affected by the negative impacts
of litter.

4.4.2	Provide trash and litter-related educational materials in multilingual formats when
possible.

4.4.3	Leverage existing environmental justice and partnership programs, both locally and
federally (e.g., the Urban Waters Federal Partnership and the National Estuary
Program).

20

-------
GOAL #5

Ensure that communities enact and enforce laws that
prevent and reduce littering.

5.1 Illegal Dumping

Illegal dumping is widespread arid undercuts prevention efforts. Collaborative approaches
noted in other SAS goals must be balanced by stronger local and state government
enforcement.

5.1.1

Offer workshops for law enforcement officers on state-specific litter laws and
solutions to addressing illegal dumping (similar to those currently provided in
Georgia).

5.1.2

Ensure that law enforcement officials receive continuing education credits for
attending workshops related to illegal dumping.

5.1.3

Expand capacities to monitor and enforce illegal dumping through video
surveillance or community-based methods.

5.1.4

Elevate fines and penalties associated with illegal dumping.

5.1.5

Create model trash-related community service programs for courts to assign where
appropriate.

21

-------
5.2 Littering

Awareness and enforcement of litter laws are rarely prioritized by law enforcement.
Improvements in this area would significantly contribute to litter source-reduction efforts.

5.2.1	Elevate fines and penalties associated with littering.

5.2.2	Develop model trash ordinances and handbooks for local governments to adopt
(this could include enacting policies to prevent balloon releases).

5.2.3	Explore technologies that allow law enforcement to trace litter.

5.2.4	Encourage citizens or volunteers to report littering to authorities.

5.3 Stormwater Management

Ensure that trash-related provisions in permits work to reduce the litter discharged from
municipalities via stormwater systems and transported to the oceans.

5.3.1	Encourage states to improve MS4 - Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System permit
requirements to minimize litter and debris discharged during normal rain events
and high consequence storms. Examples of permits can be found in the EPA's Trash
Stormwater Permit Compendium.

5.3.2	Invest in storm drain markings, video surveillance technology, and anti-litter
signage, particularly in highly trafficked areas near litter hotspots.

22

-------
6.1 Minimize the Consumption of Single-Use Items and Plastics

Develop and advance access to circular economy models
and other sustainable materials management practices.

Encourage NGOs to engage with local governments and businesses to reduce the use of
single-use disposable items. These are usually found to make up the majority of trash
collected during cleanups.

6.1.1

Incentivize business sectors (e.g., restaurants, hotels) to reduce the use of single-
use packaging by offering reusable or compostable tableware or charge customers a
small fee for single-use items such as disposable cups, ketchup packets, etc.

6.1.2

Explore more reuse/refill options such as the creation of a closed-loop, reusable to-
go container services system for a university campus or local businesses to join as a
co-op.

6.1.3

Utilize plastic/waste-free programs and campaigns for local businesses, including
"how-to" guides for reducing consumption.

6.1.4

Engage with local governments to enact policies which help minimize the use of
single-use plastics such as bags, cups, straws, containers, plates, bottles, etc.

6.1.5

Encourage local delivery services to require an "opt in" (by request only) check-off
box on all take-out and delivery food orders for accessories like condiments, bags,
straws, and utensils.

6.1.6

Build community support for state-specific or a regional bottle bill or Styrofoam tax
or ban.

23

-------
6.2 Infrastructure Investment

Improvements to waste management infrastructure and trash capture can reduce the
amount of mismanaged trash entering the oceans.

6.2.1	Promote public sector investment in reclamation and recycling facilities.

6.2.2	Identify and promote technology solutions that capture trash and litter at or near
their sources.

6.3 Circular Economy and Sustainable Materials Management

Explore sustainable materials management, including the circular economy model - a zero-
waste systematic approach.

6.3.1	Educate lawmakers and the public on how sustainable materials management and
circular economy approaches can help address marine litter.

6.3.2	Use the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) created by the University of
Georgia to assess recent progress and later to engage the public.

6.4 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Extended Producer Responsibility is a potential strategy for shifting the expense and
management of environmental costs associated with the lifecycle of a product (and its
packaging) on the producer of the product.

6.4.1 Initiate a regional dialogue about EPR requirements (similar to those passed by
Maine and Oregon legislature).

24

-------
References

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Trash Free Waters: Sources of Aquatic Trash. (2016).
Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/sources-aquatic-trash

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Trash Free Waters: The Movement of Aquatic Trash.
(2017). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/movement-aquatic-
trash

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), National Overview: Facts and Figures on

Materials, Wastes and Recycling. (2020). Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-
figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/national-overview-facts-and-figures-
materials#:~:text=These%20Facts%20and%20Figures%20are.25%20million%20tons%20
were%20composted

International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Issues Brief: Marine Plastics. (May

2018). Retrieved from https://www.iucn.org/resources/issues-briefs/marine-plastics

25

-------