The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) introduced a bill intended to remove recycling codes from plastic containers. In testimony before the House Local Government Committee on which I serve, KDHE claimed the codes were outdated and no longer necessary.

I’m pleased to report HB2551, which included amendments to KDHE’s bill which I drafted and introduced passed both houses and is now law.

Instead of removing the codes as KDHE proposed, HB2551 requires manufactures to continue to use nationally recognized codes on plastic containers sold in Kansas so consumers can identify recyclable plastics when making purchasing decisions and so small recyclers can properly sort plastic containers to be recycled.

I’m pleased to have assisted in bringing together the recycling community and KDHE to reach a compromise acceptable to everyone and to continue Kansan’s opportunity to be responsible stewards of the environment.