California is making bold moves to combat plastic pollution with the implementation of SB 54: Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. The law mandates that all single-use packaging and plastic food service ware be recyclable or compostable by 2032, shifting responsibility from consumers to producers.
📜 What Is SB 54?
Signed into law in June 2022, SB 54 creates a comprehensive Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, requiring producers to:
• Design, fund, and operate a statewide packaging recycling and composting system
• Reduce plastic packaging by 25% by 2032
• Ensure 65% of plastic packaging is recycled by 2032
• Contribute $5 billion over 10 years to help communities most affected by plastic pollution
🔧 Key Elements of the SB 54 Program
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📆 Key Implementation Milestones
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🗣️ Public Comment Period (Draft EIR)
Open from August 26 to October 10, 2025, 5:00 PM PST
📝 2023 Data Reporting Portal:
Opened: September 22, 2025
Deadline: November 15, 2025
Managed by: Circular Action Alliance
📊 Why This Matters
Packaging makes up over 50% of California’s landfill volume, contributing significantly to plastic pollution.
📌 According to the 2025 Revised Preliminary Report:
• Californians discard enough plastic daily to fill 290 Olympic swimming pools
• Landfilled waste data will guide policy improvements and reduction strategies
🧭 What's Next for Stakeholders?
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SB 54 aims to cut pollution, improve recycling infrastructure, and support disadvantaged communities, setting a powerful precedent for national reform.
Reference: CalRecycle Home Page
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