SEATTLE (Recycling Monster): The ‘Break Free from Plastic Pollution’ Act was reintroduced in the Congress this Wednesday. Several environmental groups extended support to the bill, while plastics industry groups voiced strong opposition to the move by the House and Senate Democrats.

According to the sponsors of the bill, it aims to cut plastic production and reduce plastic waste. It proposes to create a nationwide deposit return scheme as well as establishing extended producer responsibility (EPR) for manufacturers of beverage containers and certain plastic products.

The bill proposes that all single-use beverage containers and packaging be reusable, recyclable or compostable. Furthermore, the bill contains stronger language on eliminating toxic substances in beverage containers. It had failed to advance on two previous occasions when it was introduced.

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) announced that it will continue to work with Congress members to introduce a legislation that would make it mandatory for all U.S. packaging to have 30% recycled content by the end of the decade.

The Plastics Industry Association also criticized the bill, calling it worse and less collaborative.

Meantime, several environmental groups including The Ocean Conservancy extended support to the bill.