Solid waste: premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes.

The California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989, administered by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, generally regulates the disposal, management, and recycling of solid waste. This bill would require, except as provided, certain premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes manufactured on or after January 1, 2022, to be labeled clearly and conspicuously with the phrase "Do Not Flush" and a related symbol, as specified. The bill would prohibit a covered entity, as defined, from making a representation about the flushable attributes, benefits, performance, or efficacy of those premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes, as provided. The bill would establish enforcement provisions, including authorizing a civil penalty not to exceed $2,500 per day, up to a maximum of $100,000 per violation, to be imposed on a covered entity who violates those provisions. The bill would establish, until January 1, 2026, the California Consumer Education and Outreach Program, under which covered entities would be required, among other things, to participate in a collection study conducted in collaboration with wastewater agencies for the purpose of gaining understanding of consumer behavior regarding the flushing of premoistened nonwoven disposable wipes and to conduct a comprehensive multimedia education and outreach program in the state. The bill would require covered entities to annually report to specified legislative committees and the State Water Resources Control Board on their activities under the program and would require the state board to post the reports on its internet website.