Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2023

This bill amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to reduce the production and use of certain single-use plastic products and packaging, improve producer responsibility for design, collection, reuse, recycling, and disposal of consumer products and packaging, and prevent pollution from entering animal and human food chains and waterways.

Title I, Extended Responsibility for Beverage Containers and Packaging: This title adds a new subtitle to the Solid Waste Disposal Act establishing an extended responsibility program for beverage containers and packaging. It defines key terms such as 'beverage', 'beverage container', 'compostable', and 'covered product', and sets standards for compostability and producer responsibility.

Title II, Protecting Communities from Plastics: This title includes findings on the environmental and health impacts of plastics production. It defines terms like 'single-use plastic' and 'reusable'. It establishes environmental justice protections at covered facilities, including consultation with fenceline communities. It requires a nationwide study on microplastics in food, a pilot program to test microplastic removal technologies, and a rulemaking on microplastic abatement. It also directs the Secretary of Agriculture to designate a project for biodegradable weed barriers and creates grants to reduce single-use plastics in agricultural packaging.

Title III, Plastic Pellet-Free Waters: This title requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to issue a final rule within 60 days prohibiting the discharge of plastic pellets or other preproduction plastic materials from certain facilities and point sources into wastewater and runoff. This prohibition must be reflected in all relevant permits and standards of performance.