SB2224 Summary: Plastic Bag and Film Recycling Act

• Requires plastic carryout bag manufacturers to register annually with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency beginning July 1, 2017, and pay a $500 annual registration fee, with manufacturer identification printed on all bags sold in Illinois.

• Mandates each manufacturer develop and submit a recycling plan to the Agency by July 1, 2017, describing collection locations, implementation details, performance measures, and public education efforts for plastic bags and film product wrap.

• Establishes collection and recycling targets: 75% of Illinois population within 10 miles of collection sites by 2018, 80% by 2019, and at least 12% increase in recycling rate by 2019, with penalties up to $1,000 for violations.

• Prohibits retailers and distributors from purchasing plastic carryout bags from manufacturers that are not registered with the Agency and do not have approved plans posted on the Agency's website beginning January 1, 2018.

• Encourages manufacturers to include at least 30% total recycled content in plastic carryout bags beginning January 1, 2019, and repeals the Act on October 1, 2021, except in municipalities with populations over 2,000,000.