Los Angeles could become the first city in the U.S. to ban ink cartridges that can be used only once. <\/p>\n
The L.A. City Council unanimously voted Wednesday to approve the creation of an ordinance that prohibits their sale. The move comes after more than a year of debate over the terms.<\/p>\n
Why the potential ban<\/p>\n
This builds upon the city\u2019s effort to reach zero waste, including phasing out single-use plastics. You\u2019re likely familiar with some of those efforts \u2014 such as only getting plastic foodware by request and banning single-use carryout bags at stores. Multiple plastic bans have been suggested<\/a>, like for single-use vapes and bag clips, but now it\u2019s ink\u2019s turn.<\/p>\n The cartridges are tough to dispose of because of the plastic, metal and chemicals inside, according<\/a> to the city. They\u2019re also classified as regulated waste<\/a> in the state because they can leach toxic substances into the environment, such as volatile organic compounds and heavy metals.<\/p>\n That poses a problem. L.A.\u2019s curbside recycling program can\u2019t recycle the cartridges, and while its hazardous waste program can take them, a significant portion end up in landfills.<\/p>\n Major printer manufacturers and some ink retailers have take-back programs for used cartridges so they can get refilled. However, L.A. Sanitation says there are certain single-use cartridges that don\u2019t have recovery programs. These are usually cartridges that work with a printer but aren\u2019t name brand.<\/p>\n How outlawing them could work<\/p>\n LASAN has spent months figuring out what a ban would cover \u2014 and it hasn\u2019t been without pushback. The city\u2019s energy and environment committee pressed the department back in September on how effective a ban would be.<\/p>\n Ultimately, the committee moved it forward with a promise that LASAN would come back with more details, including environmental groups\u2019 stance, concrete data to back up the need and a public education plan.<\/p>\n