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Microbeads Fact Sheet
ResourceZero-Waste
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Point of Contact
Julia Meltzer
Zero Waste Coordinator
Legislation
- In June 2014, Illinois passed legislation banning the use of microbeads, but it only applied to non-biodegradable plastic. This will allow the use of plant-based plastic, which do not biodegrade in water.
- At least 15 states including California, Vermont, Wisconsin, New York, Mississippi, and Alaska have introduced legislation to ban microbeads in the near future.
Related Resources
Quarterly Impact Report
Quarterly Impact Report
Climate, Energy, Land, Oceans, Water, Wildlife, Zero-Waste
November 8, 2026
Quarterly Impact Report
Quarterly Impact Report – June 2026
Climate, Energy, Land, Oceans, Zero-Waste, Wildlife
July 11, 2026
Related External Resources
Five Gyres Institute information on microbeads
A collection of reports and data on the the dangers of various microplastics and potential alternatives
Microbead Menace - Alliance for the Great Lakes
Alliance for the Great Lakes' Fact Sheet on microbeads and work being done to keep them out of waterways.
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