If the intent is to decrease…

If the intent is to decrease waste and disposable packaging by making the manufacturers accountable for covering the costs of recycling, then it is essential that the manufacturers remain responsible for the costs. Currently one-use plastic packaging is very cheap for the manufacturer to make and use because they do not have to cover the actual cost of their product through its entire lifespan. The realization that disposable packaging is actually quite expensive is key to motivating manufacturers to move towards other options, such as packaging that can be composted or is reusable. It is unfair to those manufacturers who have invested considerable money and time into other, non-disposable options, to change the requirements because some producers are whining about how expensive it is. The expense is the point and is key to motivating manufacturers to move to better options. Personally, I would like to see a complete ban on all single-use packaging and products (medically-necessary ones excepted) and if the government wants to move in that direction instead, I am all for it. This current proposal, however, is totally unacceptable and is a considerable step backwards. Disposable packaging is expensive for society and by making manufacturers realize this it moves the cost of dealing with it off of the tax payer and onto those who are responsible for making garbage in the first place. Hopefully the price tag will make manufacturers stop and reassess and move towards more sustainable options.