Policy & Change

Strong laws and corporate accountability are essential to stopping plastic pollution at the source.

Policies for Companies

Large companies should be held responsible for the plastic they produce and sell.

Extended Producer Responsibility

Require manufacturers to manage the full lifecycle of their plastic products, including recycling and cleanup costs.

Pay fees based on plastic volume
Fund recycling infrastructure
Report plastic use publicly

Plastic Reduction Targets

Mandate measurable reductions in single-use plastic packaging year over year.

Phase out unnecessary plastics
Switch to reusable or compostable alternatives
Publish annual progress reports

Microplastic Filters

Require washing machine and wastewater filters that capture synthetic fibers before they reach rivers.

Mandate fiber filters in new machines
Offer rebates for retrofits
Monitor wastewater discharge

Transparent Reporting

Force companies to disclose how much plastic they produce, recycle, and release into the environment.

Public plastic footprint reports
Third-party audits
Penalties for false claims

Laws Against River Pollution

Individuals and businesses must face real consequences for dumping trash into waterways.

Increased Fines for LitteringRaise penalties for dumping waste into rivers, storm drains, or riparian areas.
Storm Drain MonitoringInstall trash capture devices and cameras at major outfalls leading to the St. Johns River.
Ban Single-Use Plastics Near WaterwaysProhibit foam containers, plastic bags, and straws at riverfront parks and events.
Mandatory Cleanup BondsRequire large events and construction sites near the river to post a cleanup bond.
Citizen Reporting AppsFund easy-to-use tools for residents to report illegal dumping in real time.

Take Action Now

Contact your representatives and ask them to support these policies.

Contact City Officials

More Information

Deeper context on the policies we support.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that makes manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including collection, recycling, and disposal. This incentivizes companies to design products that are easier to recycle and produce less waste.

Why focus on stormwater?

Stormwater runoff is one of the main ways plastic litter reaches the St. Johns River. When it rains, trash on streets and in gutters flows into storm drains, which often empty directly into waterways without filtration.

How can I stay updated on local legislation?

Follow your city council agendas, sign up for newsletters from environmental groups, and check our Microplastic Report page for updates on policy progress and upcoming votes.