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Shifting the cleanup cost of packaging waste to companies could encourage greener packaging – but only if states are aligned

<name>Erin Victor, Postdoctoral Researcher in Sustainability, University of Maine</name> <foaf:homepage rdf:resource="https://theconversation.com/profiles/erin-victor-2688457"/>· 25 août 2026

Some state legislatures are seeking ways to alleviate anxieties about plastic waste. Rowanswiki/Wikimedia Commons Standing in your local retail store, it can be mind-boggling to try to weigh the pros and cons of all the packaging options. Take shampoo, for example. Shampoo can come in a rigid plast…

Résumé

Packaging waste dilemma

Choosing packaging for everyday products like shampoo can feel overwhelming due to the variety of options available.

Consumers may encounter claims such as recyclable, compostable, refillable, or made with recycled content, but these labels often lack clarity.

The challenge extends to disposal, as recycling rules vary by local municipalities based on regional market capabilities.

This inconsistency makes it difficult for individuals to make informed, environmentally friendly choices.

The article highlights this confusion by referencing a viral video where comedian Jimmy Rees humorously illustrates the arbitrary nature of packaging decisions.

The core issue lies in the fragmented system where neither producers nor consumers bear the full environmental or financial burden of packaging waste.

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