---
kind: "section"
citation: "42 U.S.C. § 6914b–1"
title: "42"
title_heading: "The Public Health and Welfare"
number: "6914b–1"
heading: "Regulation of plastic ring carriers"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/42/6914b-1"
units:
  - "Chapter 82 — Solid Waste Disposal"
  - "Subchapter II — Office of Solid Waste; Authorities of the Administrator"
---

# §6914b–1. Regulation of plastic ring carriers


Not later than 24 months after October 28, 1988 (unless the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) of the Environmental Protection [Agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) determines that it is not feasible or that the byproducts of degradable [regulated items](/usc/42/6914b.md?p=1) present a greater threat to the environment than nondegradable [regulated items](/usc/42/6914b.md?p=1)), the [Administrator](/usc/42/6903.md?p=1) of the Environmental Protection [Agency](/usc/42/8262.md?p=1) shall require, by regulation, that any [regulated item](/usc/42/6914b.md?p=1) intended for use in the United States shall be made of [naturally degradable material](/usc/42/6914b.md?p=2) which, when discarded, decomposes within a period established by such regulation. The period within which decomposition must occur after being discarded shall be the shortest period of time consistent with the intended use of the item and the physical integrity required for such use. Such regulation shall allow a reasonable time for affected parties to come into compliance, including the use of existing inventories.


## Source credit

(Pub. L. 100–556, title I, § 103, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2779.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Codification

Section was not enacted as part of the Solid Waste Disposal Act which comprises this chapter.