Beverage containers: polyethylene terephthalate.

Existing law requires that all rigid plastic bottles and rigid plastic containers sold in California be labeled with a code indicating the resin used to produce those bottles or containers. Existing law, among other things, specifies that the number 1 is to be used for bottles or containers that are made of polyethylene terephthalate. Under existing law, it is a crime to manufacture rigid plastic bottles or rigid plastic containers for use in California that are not properly labeled. This bill would, on and after October 1, 2018, define polyethylene terephthalate for the purposes of the labeling requirement as a plastic having certain characteristics, including, among other things, a melting peak temperature, as determined by a specified procedure, within a specified temperature range. Because the mislabeling of a bottle or container made of polyethylene terephthalate that does not meet those physical characteristics would be a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.