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microplastic (noun): a tiny particle of plastic, especially one five millimeters or smaller in diameter

WASHING MACHINES: THE HIDDEN THREAT

Washing machines are the largest source of microplastics into the environment, accounting for 35% of total emissions. Billions of microfibers are emitted into the environment from washing machines every year.

Microplastic Sources:

  • Clothing - 35%

    With every load of laundry, around 700,00 to 1.5 million plastic microfibers are emitted into our waterways. The fibers are torn from the clothing as they are spun quickly in the washer, similar to how lint is produced from drying clothes. Textile abrasion is a primary source of microplastics, and it contributes to 35% of the problem.

  • Tires - 28%

    As you drive your car, the plastic tire slowly degrades from the friction with the road. This can be visually seen as the treads on tires are reduced in size. Tire abrasion is a primary source of microplastics, and it makes up 28% of the problem.

  • Waste - 37%

    When plastic bottles and bags reach the ocean, they are broken down into smaller pieces from sunlight and the force of the waves. These are secondary sources of microplastics, combining to make up 37% of the total problem.

Legislative Requirements for Microplastic Filters

  • France is requiring microplastic filters on every newly produced washing machine starting on January 1, 2025.

  • The United Kingdom has pending legislation to require manufacturers to fit microplastic-catching filters to new domestic and commercial washing machines no later than January 1st 2025

  • United States:

    The United States Senate bill introduced in July would require microplastic filtration systems in all new washing machines sold or offered by 2030 under stiff penalty of fines.

    California:

    California has a pending bill to require all new washing machines sold in California for residential, commercial, or state use in California to contain a microfiber filtration system on or after January 1, 2029

    Oregon:

    Oregon has a pending bill to prohibit the sale of new washing unless equipped with built-in or in-line microfiber filtration system by January 1, 2026

    New Jersey:

    New Jersey has pending bills to fund $2.5M in $100 rebates for residents who purchase a microplastics filter as early as this year. Another pending bill will require microfiber filters on all washing machines sold by January 1.

    Pennsylvania:

    Pennsylvania has enacted the Microfiber Filtration Protection Act requiring all washing machines sold to include an internal or external filter by 2030 under penalty of fines.

    Illinois:

    Illinois is currently considering legislation that would require microfiber filters in all washing machines sold in-state after Jan 1, 2030, as well as programs offering consumer rebates and statewide manufacturing incentives on filters.

  • Australia plans to phase in microfibre filters for new residential and commercial washing machines by July 1, 2030, under it's National Plastics Plan.

  • Ontario has a bill that would require microplastic filters on all newly sold washing machines, under penalty of heavy finds, effective in 2028.

What can we do about it?

CLEANR’s Premium Microplastic Filter

Make a difference in your own home, capturing over 90% of the microplastics from your washing machine with CLEANR’s Microplastic filter for washing machines.