(a) For the purposes of this section, “degradable” means all of the following:

(1) Biodegradation, photodegradation, chemodegradation, or degradation by other natural degrading processes, as defined by the American Society of Testing Materials.

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(2) Degradation at a rate that meets the requirements of Part 238 (commencing with Section 238.10) of Subchapter H of Chapter I of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(3) Degradation that, as attested by the manufacturer of the device, will not produce or result in a residue or byproduct that, during or after the process of degrading, would be a hazardous or extremely hazardous waste identified pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 25100) of Division 20 of the Health and Safety Code.

(b) Except as provided in subdivision (c), no container shall be sold or offered for sale at retail in this state that is connected to any other container by means of a plastic ring or similar plastic device that is not degradable when disposed of as litter.

(c) This section does not apply to devices that do not contain an enclosed hole or circle of more than one and one-half inches in diameter or that do not contain a hole.

(d) Any person who sells at wholesale or distributes to a retailer for sale at retail in this state containers that are connected to each other in violation of subdivision (b) is guilty of an infraction and shall be punished by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000).

(Amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 17, Sec. 122. Effective January 1, 1998.)