Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act
SB 54
SB 54 establishes a new extended producer responsibility (EPR) program to manage packaging and single-use plastic food service ware products across every sector of the economy.
EPR gives primary responsibility for managing products after their useful life to producers, who can design and market products to be more easily reused or recycled.
CalRecycle is accepting public comments on Circular Action Alliance’s producer responsibility plan through November 13, 2026. Email comments to packaging@calrecycle.ca.gov with the subject line PRO Plan Comments.
Program News
- On November 2, 2026, CalRecycle published the Update to the Source Reduction Baseline Report along with the Source Reduction Guidance webpage.
- On October 13, 2026, CalRecycle received Circular Action Alliance’s producer responsibility plan for how producers will meet the law’s requirements. CalRecycle has 75 days to review the plan for compliance under 14 CCR 18980.6.1(b)(2).
- CalRecycle published the Local Jurisdiction and Recycling Service Provider Guidance webpage for local jurisdictions and recycling service providers seeking guidance on compliance and extensions or exemptions from collection requirements under Public Resources Code section 42060.5.
- CalRecycle posted de minimis exclusion on the new Exclusion for Certain De Minimis Components database webpage, which helps interested parties understand which specific components do not have reporting or fee obligations.
- CalRecycle has published updated information regarding the collection and sortation of non-CRV cartons (both gable-top and aseptic). This updated information will inform the next update to the Covered Material Categories List, which will be published by January 1, 2027.
- Circular Action Alliance has been approved to serve as the first Producer Responsibility Organization. (PRC 42061.5)
Upcoming Events
November 6, 2026
Advisory Board Meeting
Agenda/Public Notice
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: CalEPA Headquarters, Byron Sher Auditorium (2nd floor)
1001 “I” St., Sacramento, CA 95814
Attend in person or online:
• Zoom
• Webcast
Read about the SB 54 law and regulations.
Packaging makes up over 50% of what we dump in California landfills by volume. We must reduce packaging waste and ensure it is recycled to meet our state’s recycling and climate goals.
On June 30, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 54 (Allen, 2022) into law to address the impacts of single-use packaging and plastic food service ware. This landmark packaging law requires that by 2032, we:
Cut By
%
Single-use plastic:
- Packaging and
- Food service ware
Recycle
%
Of single-use plastic:
- Packaging and
- Food service ware
Ensure
%
Of single-use:
- Packaging
- Plastic food service ware
Is recyclable or compostable
*Click on the boxes below to go to the topic page.
Needs Assessment
A statewide assessment that informs the producer responsibility organization’s budget and plan for meeting the law’s requirements.
Advisory Board
Information about the board’s role in identifying barriers, recommending solutions, and advising producers and the department.
CMC List
Information about regulated materials under the law and the list of covered material categories (CMC) published by CalRecycle.
Producer Guidance
Information and resources to help producers and other stakeholders understand and navigate the law’s requirements.
EPS Food Service Ware
Information about expanded polystyrene food service ware, producer requirements, and related sales restrictions.
Exemptions and Exclusions
Guidance on exemptions and exclusions that may apply to producers, local jurisdictions, recycling service providers, and others.
Local Jurisdiction and Recycling Service Provider Guidance
Guidance and resources to help local jurisdictions and recycling service providers understand the law’s requirements.
Source Reduction Guidance
Information on source reduction requirements, including key deadlines for producers, reporting guidance, and reduction strategies.
Producer Responsibility Organizations
Create Programs
Increase Recycling
Cut Trash Pollution in Disadvantaged Communities
Enroll Manufacturers
Pay All Implementation Costs
CalRecycle
Oversees Program
Appoints Advisory Board
Researches Packaging Waste Types
Approves Plan, Budget, and Annual Reports
Publishes Recyclable or Compostable Material Categories List
Publishes Source Reduction Baseline
Contact
Submit non-media questions about the program to Packaging@calrecycle.ca.gov.
For media inquiries OPA@calrecycle.ca.gov.