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HR 3509 102th Congress House

Solid Waste Metals Reduction Act

Official title: To amend the Solid Waste Disposal Act to provide for the reduction of toxic metals in packaging.

Introduced: November 7, 1991 See on congress.gov
Environmental Protection Business recordsCadmiumChromiumFines (Penalties)
More subjectsShow fewer subjects
Government paperworkLeadMercuryPackagingWaste reduction
This bill died when the 102nd Congress ended
It never became law before the 102nd Congress (1991–1992) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 4 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 18, 1991
Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.
Oct 18, 1991
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Consumer Protection and Competitiveness.
Oct 3, 1991
Introduced in House
Oct 3, 1991
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
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 Latest action October 18, 1991

Referred to the Subcommittee on Transportation and Hazardous Materials.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Solid Waste Metals Reduction Act - Prohibits the intentional introduction of lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium into a package or packaging component during manufacturing or distribution.

Sets forth the maximum allowable concentration level of the sum of such elements in packaging.

Makes such regulations inapplicable (for a specified period) for packaging: (1) that was manufactured prior to this Act's effective date; (2) to which lead, cadmium, mercury, or hexavalent chromium have been added to comply with Federal health or safety requirements or, because it is essential for the protection, safe handling, or function of the contents of the package, provided that the manufacturer, supplier, or distributor petitions the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the exemption; or (3) that would not exceed the maximum concentration levels set forth in this Act but for the addition of post-consumer materials. Provides for the renewal of exemptions if the Administrator determines that a renewal is warranted.

Requires packaging manufacturers or suppliers to furnish certificates of compliance (with respect to this Act's requirements) to distributors. Makes certificates of compliance, upon request, available to EPA and the public.

Authorizes the assessment of civil penalties for violations of this Act.

 Bill text 1 version

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 3509: Solid Waste Metals Reduction Act. 102nd Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-3509/
MLA
"H.R. 3509: Solid Waste Metals Reduction Act." 102nd Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-3509/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 3509, 102nd Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-3509/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 3509: Solid Waste Metals Reduction Act](https://openamerica.io/bill/102-HR-3509/)
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