REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO CONDUCT A STUDY ON RECYCLABLE, BIODEGRADABLE, AND COMPOSTABLE LABELING IN THE STATE TO DETERMINE IF THE LABELING IS ACCURATE AND NON-DECEPTIVE.

This bill requests the Hawaii Department of Health to conduct a study on the accuracy and clarity of recyclable, biodegradable, and compostable product labels sold in the state. The study will examine whether these labels match actual recycling and composting capabilities, identify common contaminants caused by misleading claims, and review existing industry standards. It specifically asks the department to assess products with the chasing arrows symbol, evaluate biodegradable and compostable claims, and analyze the differences between home and industrial composting conditions. The department must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature by early 2027, which may include proposed new labeling guidelines.