Tackling Litter Through Policy

Beyond hosting litter cleanups across the watershed, Friends of the Chicago River works to eliminate pollution at the source by advancing systemic policy change that prevents litter, especially plastics, from entering our waterways.

As part of the Coalition for Plastic Reduction, Friends of the Chicago River is advocating for legislation that tackles the worst plastic pollution at its source. We encourage everyone who supports us through Chicago River Day to learn more and get involved in ongoing policy efforts to create lasting protections for the Chicago-Calumet River system.

  • Illinois Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act – House Bill 3278

    • Plastic pellets, or nurdles, are tiny plastic pieces used to make most plastic products, but many spill during transport and end up in our waterways. Once in the river, they absorb toxic chemicals and are mistaken for food by fish and birds, causing serious harm. Friends of the Chicago River is also supporting state legislation (HB3278) to stop pellet pollution at the source by making sure the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has the authority to hold local polluters accountable.

    • How you can help:

 

  • Illinois Plastic Bag Ban – Senate Bill 1872

    • A type of litter you’re likely to see during a cleanup event is a plastic bag. A single-use plastic shopping bag is used for just 12 minutes on average, but can take 10 to 20 years to degrade in the environment. That’s why Friends of the Chicago River supports state legislation that would prohibit grocery stores from offering plastic carryout bags, encouraging the use of reusable alternatives. This bill aims to reduce plastic pollution at the source and keep harmful litter out of our river system.

    • How you can help:

 

  • Illinois Polystyrene Foam Ban – Senate Bill 1531

    • Polystyrene foam, commonly used as takeout food containers and packing material, is a type of plastic that can’t be recycled and doesn’t biodegrade. Instead, it breaks into microplastics that persist in the environment forever, polluting the river and harming wildlife. The EPA estimates that Americans throw away almost 70 million plastic foam cups daily, and nearly all of this waste is still out there, clogging our landfills and littering our waterways. We support the Polystyrene Foam Ban which will phase out foam foodware, like cups and takeout containers, by 2030.

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