California
California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act requires producers of residential and commercial single-use packaging and plastic single-use food service ware to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), and through the PRO, fund the end of life of those materials, which includes processing and recycling. Additionally, the PRO must remit to the state $500 million each year, starting in 2027 and ending in 2037 to be placed in the California Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund.
On Jan. 5, 2024, CAA was selected by CalRecycle as the state’s inaugural, single PRO.
On May 1, 2026, the SB-54 regulations were finalized.
On June 15, 2026, CAA submitted the draft California program plan to the SB 54 advisory board and opening a public comment period until Aug. 14, 2026. Learn more here.
Key Milestones in the Regulatory and Implementation Process
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June 30, 2022
Governor Newsom Signs SB 54.
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July 1, 2023
CalRecycle Makes Advisory Board Appointments.
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September 2023
CalRecycle Releases PRO Application.
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Jan. 1, 2024
PRO Application Deadline.
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Jan. 5, 2024
CalRecycle Selects CAA as the Inaugural, Single PRO.
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July 1, 2024
CalRecycle publishes the Covered Material Categories List.
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Jan. 1, 2025
Deadline for Producers of Expanded Polystyrene Food Service Ware to Demonstrate 25% Recycling Rate to CalRecycle.
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Nov. 15, 2025
Reporting Data Due.
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June 15, 2026
PRO Submits Plan.
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Aug. 14, 2026
SB 54 Advisory Board Reviews Plan and Offers Written Comments.
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On or Before Jan. 1, 2027
CalRecycle Approves Plan, Program Begins.
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March 1, 2027
PRO Remits First California Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund Fees.
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July 1, 2027
PRO Remits First Administrative Fees to CalRecycle.
Recycling Programs & Communities
Resources for local jurisdictions, recyclers, community organizations, and other partners supporting California’s SB 54 implementation.
Updates
On May 1, 2026, SB 54 regulations were finalized.
On Dec. 31, 2024, CalRecycle published the plastic source reduction baseline and the Source Reduction Baseline Technical Report, outlining the methodology that informed the development of the baseline.
Formal rulemaking for SB 54 began on March 8, 2024. CAA has been engaged and submitting comments throughout the process. On March 7, 2025, Governor Gavin Newsom directed CalRecycle to restart regulations for SB 54. While the reopening of rulemaking introduces a period of review, CAA is fully prepared to adapt our implementation strategy as needed.
SB 54 has been codified under Title 14, Division 7, Chapter 11.1 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR).
Please refer to CalRecycle’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act Permanent Regulations page for additional details included proposed regulation text and related documents.
Rulemaking
Following CAA's submission of the draft California Program Plan to the SB 54 advisory board, a public comment process is open until Aug. 14, 2026. Learn more here.
On Sept. 11, 2024, CalRecycle provided notification on the upcoming SB 54 deadline concerning expanded polystyrene food service ware. Prior to Jan. 1, 2025, producers of expanded polystyrene food service ware were required to demonstrate to CalRecycle a recycling rate of not less than 25% of all expanded polystyrene food service ware sold into California. If this demonstration was not adequately made, expanded polystyrene food service ware will be prohibited from sale, offering, distribution or importation into California. CAA encourages producers to contact CalRecycle with any questions.
CalRecycle released an updated Covered Material Category list on July 1, 2024. Updates to the recyclability and compostability determinations for the list were released on Dec. 31, 2024. SB 54 requires CalRecycle to use criteria established by SB 343 to evaluate the potential recyclability and compostability of covered material categories. Learn more on CalRecycle’s Accurate Recycling Labels page.
Compliance
Advisory Board
An Advisory Board was established to consult with CalRecycle and CAA as the approved PRO on the implementation of SB 54. It is made up of 13 voting members and three nonvoting members appointed by CalRecycle. It includes representatives from local government, environmental and environmental justice organizations, manufacturers, recycling and solid waste enterprises, and retail and grocery associations. As the PRO, CAA serves as a nonvoting member.
For more information on the SB 54 Advisory Board, please visit CalRecycle’s Advisory Board landing page.