CalRecycle approved long-awaited regulations implementing California’s landmark extended producer responsibility (EPR) law for packaging.
On May 1, the enforcement agency set the stage for implementation of SB 54, which requires producers to reduce single-use plastic and ensure all packaging is recyclable or compostable.
The changes shift the burden of rising waste disposal costs, pollution and “harmful plastics” from taxpayers and local governments to producers of single-use products. Packaging makes up more than 50% of what is dumped in California landfills by volume.
“California is shifting the responsibility of managing single-use plastic and packaging onto the producers. New packaging reforms lower waste costs for communities and decrease garbage and pollution across the state,” said Yana Garcia, state secretary for environmental protection, in a statement. “This approach pushes producers to innovate and design packaging that truly supports a circular economy.”
The regulations, which became active upon filing, include 2032 goals for producers, including reducing single-use plastic by 25%, ensuring 100% of packaging is recyclable and compostable and a 65% recycling rate for single-use plastic packaging and food service ware.
Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) food ware service manufacturers have been prohibited from selling in California since January 1, 2025, after the sector failed to demonstrate a 25% recycling rate. The prohibition covers selling, distributing and importing EPS food service ware into the state.
CalRecycle had pulled earlier draft regulations in January 2026 to review and provide clarity before releasing an updated version. Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the producer responsibility organization assigned to implement SB 54, is slated to submit its plan in June, with full implementation scheduled to begin on Jan. 1, 2027.
Alongside the regulation approval, CalRecycle published an updated producer guidance webpage on May 1 with resources for producers, with additional guidance materials expected to follow.
With regulations now in effect, producers have until June 1 to take one of three steps: register with CAA and submit supply data if participating through the PRO; register with CalRecycle and apply as an independent producer if complying individually; or register with CalRecycle and apply for a small producer exemption if eligible.
“We’re taking action to stop producers from using excessive amounts of plastic packaging that pollutes our communities” CalRecycle Director Zoe Heller said, in a statement. “With strong state oversight, producers will be accountable for designing less wasteful packaging and funding systems to make sure their materials are collected, reused, and composted or recycled when consumers are done with them.”
The National Stewardship Action Council, which was active throughout the rulemaking process, welcomed the approval. The group said CalRecycle had responded to concerns it raised in public comment about categorical exclusion language.
“Getting implementation right is just as important as passing the policy itself,” said Heidi Sanborn, NSAC executive director and CEO, in a statement. “This is where the environmental, public health and economic benefits are either realized or lost and where cost-effective systems must be designed to work in practice.”
NSAC convenes national working groups through its partnership with the Stewardship Action Foundation, bringing together producers, recyclers, local and state governments and other stakeholders to support implementation.
The organization is inviting interest holders across the value chain to engage in its National Packaging/EPR Implementation Working Group, designed to bridge the gap between policy adoption and on-the-ground results.
“We look forward to working with CalRecycle, Circular Action Alliance, and other key interest holders across the value chain to support successful implementation,” Sanborn added.
