Wagoner brings statewide recycling and environmental leadership experience to CAA’s California program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 4, 2024

Contact: media@circularaction.org

Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is pleased to announce Rachel Wagoner as the organization's executive director for California, effective immediately. Wagoner most recently served as the director of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and brings statewide leadership experience to this critical role implementing California's Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54).  

In her new role, Wagoner will oversee the development and implementation of CAA's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program plan for California, collaborating with interest holders across the value chain to advance a circular economy for single-use packaging and plastic single-use food service ware. She will work closely with the state, local governments, producers and industry partners to achieve SB 54's ambitious recycling and waste reduction goals. 

"Rachel's deep understanding of California's recycling and waste management landscape and her proven track record in overseeing environmental policies will be invaluable as we work to transform how packaging is managed in the state," said Jeff Fielkow, CEO of CAA. "Her leadership will be crucial in ensuring the success of our EPR program." 

As director for CalRecycle, Wagoner was responsible for overseeing and reforming CalRecycle’s long-standing recycling and waste management programs, building EPR, disaster debris recovery, and organic waste recovery and recycling programs. She was also the architect for California’s first ever, statewide Zero Waste Plan. Prior to leading CalRecycle, Rachel was deputy legislative secretary to Governor Newsom, advising on energy, environmental protection, natural resources, agricultural and communications legislation on behalf of the Governor. She also spent more than 20 years working as a committee consultant to the California State Senate.   

“I am excited to be joining CAA at this pivotal moment for recycling and waste reduction in California,” said Wagoner. "CAA and its founding members share California’s commitment to the successful implementation of packaging extended producer responsibility.  It is a great privilege for me to work with this organization and continue to help California lead in environmental innovation. I look forward to collaborating with CalRecycle and all of the dedicated organizations and individuals that are working tirelessly to make Senator Allen's SB 54 successful." 

Wagoner's appointment follows other recent additions to the CAA leadership team, including Jeff Fielkow as CEO and executive directors for Colorado and Oregon. These strategic hires underscore CAA's commitment to leveraging global experience in the packaging and recycling industry as well as deep local knowledge to deliver nationally harmonized producer services and successful state programs.  

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About Circular Action Alliance  
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is a U.S. Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to implementing effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging. As a nonprofit, producer-led organization, CAA is committed to helping producers comply with EPR laws, delivering harmonized best-in-class compliance services and to working with governments, businesses and communities to reduce waste and recycle more. CAA was founded in 2022 by 20 producers representing the food, beverage, consumer goods, and retail industries.