Legislation in parts of the US (e.g. California) has specified pellets in storm water permits. This means public inspectors can take immediate action if they see pellets escaping or poor practice. Inspectors can also provide advice to companies to improve pellet containment.
Opportunity
Many companies already have storm water permits and inspections, so it is straightforward to add specific mention of pellets.
Challenge
Unless set at zero, any threshold suggests there is an acceptable level of pellet loss to the environment, sending the wrong message to companies. Permits will not stop pellet pollution during transport, off-site. This approach puts pressure on public authorities to carry out checks.
Current Activity
Coming soon
Actions
- Ask your government to update their water standards to include proactive prevention of plastic pellets from escaping into the environment.