Why is preproduction plastic a problem?
At many points in its creation, transport, use, and disposal, preproduction plastic may be spilled and carried by storm water and urban runoff into the aquatic environment. Once in the environment, preproduction plastics can harm marine species and impact beneficial uses of California’s fresh water, shorelines, coastal waters, and estuaries. Preproduction plastic is a problematic type of litter due to its small size and persistence. One pound of pelletized HDPE plastic can contain approximately 22,000 pellets. Preproduction plastic slowly photodegrades over time by breaking down into smaller and smaller pieces and researchers are unclear as to how long it takes some petroleum-based plastics to degrade. Depending on the plastic type, estimates range from one to ten years up to several centuries to fully degrade. Once in the environment, preproduction plastic resin pellets, powders, and production scrap can be mistaken for food by marine life. They also contribute to California’s litter
