The Benefits of State Membership
in the Toxics In Packaging Clearinghouse

The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) develops public policy that reduces the amount of toxics used in packaging and products.

The Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse (TPCH) supports and coordinates Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation that has been adopted in 19 states. The legislation prohibits the use in packaging and products of lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium.

The TPCH was established in 1989 to encourage and coordinate the implementation of individual state toxics in packaging laws through joint consideration of exemptions and/or clarifications, to minimize the administrative process for states and applicants, and to create a centralized location for receipt and processing of written requests. The Clearinghouse serves as a cost-effective vehicle and forum for its member states to administer the states' toxics in packaging laws in a manner that promotes consistency and uniformity in administration and enforcement by participating states.

Benefits of Membership:

• Efficiency and Cost-effectiveness: The TPCH helps states coordinate with and receive support from fellow member states to administer and enforce legislation. For example, through the TPCH, member states can coordinate action to halt violations at any point in the chain of production and distribution, rather than states having to respond in isolation and duplicate efforts.
• Information Resource: TPCH Staff provides an information resource on toxics in packaging concerns and developments to external constituencies and member states.
• Open Dialogue: The TPCH provides regular communication between member states, industry, manufacturer and trade association advisors to identify developing issues and solutions, as well as to revise and administer the legislation. Membership meetings are held twice a year and membership conference calls take place monthly.
• Legislative Review: The TPCH provides a venue for the ongoing review of the effectiveness of the Model Law and to recommend legislative and administrative changes as needed.
• Neutrality of the Host Organization: The host organization is seen by both states and affiliates as being neutral and not as an advocate or lobbying organization for any particular political or ideological interest.

Administrative Support Provided by TPCH Staff:

The following administrative services provided by TPCH Staff save time and expenses for states:

• Receives all incoming inquiries and route information as needed to appropriate members.
• Research issue as needed for response, coordinate clarification from TPCH members, and compile responses to inquiries.
• Coordinate and track cases for Exemption and Compliance Approval.
• Track changes to state legislation and to TPCH model.
• Coordinate bi-annual meetings and monthly conference calls to address current issues.
• Coordinate outreach events to encourage and improve compliance.
• Maintain TPCH website and documents.
• Provide accounting and budget management services.

Annual State Dues Schedule States (TPCH Legislation passed - Voting Membership) Dues are based on population.
Population	Dues
< 1 million	$2,000
1 - 4.9 million	$3,000
5 - 24.9 million	$4,000
25+ million	$6,000
States (TPCH Legislation not passed - Non-voting Membership): $1,000 Non-member states may attend one or two meetings and conference calls as guests. To continue to attend, the state must pay dues to become a member.