CalRecycle is now accepting public input on regulations for SB 54 (Allen, 2022), the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. This law establishes minimum recycled content requirements for single-use plastic packaging and food service items, to be achieved through an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program, which holds producers accountable for these goals. SB 54 sets the following goals to be reached by 2032.
· 25% reduction in single-use plastic packaging and food ware.
· All single-use packaging and food ware must either be recyclable or compostable.
· 65% of single-use packaging and food ware must be recycled.
The proposed regulations outline how the law will be implemented. CalRecycle will consider all feedback, suggestions, and objections before making a final decision on the regulations. An overview of the regulations and a summary of the notable changes proposed can be accessed here.
Written comments can be submitted on the modified regulations until October 29, 2024. Comments can be sent electronically through CalRecycle’s Public Comment Portal accessed here.