In 1990, the Coalition of Northeastern Governors presented to the Northeastern states Model Legislation designed to phase out the use of mercury, lead, cadmium, and hexavalent chromium in packaging within four years following enactment of the legislation. The Model Legislation attracted immediate attention from state officials in the Northeast and in other regions because it responded to public concerns about the potential public health and environmental effects of these substances when they are introduced into the municipal solid waste stream in discarded packaging. 

This report reviews the history of the CONEG Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation, evaluates its administrative procedures, reviews the states' enforcement policies and actions regarding this legislation, examines methodologies for testing and measuring industry compliance and the laws' effectiveness, addresses barriers to compliance, and suggests improvements to the Model Legislation's provisions.