Wisconsin Lawmakers Approve Ban on Microbeads

Bill Now Heads to Gov. Walker's Desk

Wisconsin lawmakers have approved a bill that would ban microbeads, the plastic exfoliant in soap, toothpaste and other personal care products.

The state Assembly passed the bill Tuesday on a voice vote.

The Senate passed the measure last month.

The bill now moves to Gov. Scott Walker for his signature.

Scientists recently discovered that microbeads are flowing by the billions from wastewater plants into the Great Lakes and other water bodies.

Manufacturers have already started substituting microbeads with natural substances including ground-up fruit pits, oatmeal and sea salt.

The bill would ban making personal care products containing microbeads starting in 2018 and disallow sales of products with microbeads starting in 2019.

Gary Hebl, a Sun Prairie Democrat, said he supports the measure but wished it laid out a shorter timeframe.