Industry's Push for Broader Definition: The plastics industry is lobbying to expand the definition of 'recyclable' to include items that are not commonly accepted by municipal recycling programs. This move is seen as a strategy to counteract negative perceptions and potential regulatory actions.

FTC's Role in Regulating Recyclability Claims: The FTC is evaluating the validity of recyclability claims made by the plastics industry. This includes examining whether items like plastic grocery bags can be genuinely considered recyclable given the current capabilities of recycling infrastructure.

Impact on Consumers and Recycling Programs: If the industry's proposed changes are accepted, consumers might be misled into believing that more plastics are recyclable than actually are. This could complicate recycling efforts and increase contamination in recycling streams.