CalRecycle Unveils Draft Single-Use Plastic Regulations

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): CalRecycle on Dec. 28 released the first formal draft of a new single-use packaging and plastic food ware regulation: SB 54 (Allen, 2022). The landmark law established an extended producer responsibility program to manage single-use plastics across every sector of the economy.

Formally known as the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, SB 54 is part of a multiyear effort to revamp the state’s recycling program and shift the design of plastic and packaging materials. Under SB 54, plastic producers must ensure that packaging and plastic food ware sold in California is 100% recyclable or compostable by 2032.

Extended producer responsibility programs put the primary responsibility for managing products after their useful life on producers. Unlike private citizens or agencies, these entities can design and market products to be more easily reused or recycled and minimize negative impacts on public health and the environment at every stage of the product’s lifecycle.

According to CalRecycle, California alone throws away about 290 Olympic-sized pools of plastic every day. These plastics break down into small fragments that enter our water, food, and even air. Experts say it will likely take years to determine the full impact of these microplastics on human health. 

The 45-day public comment period for SB 54 ends in mid-February. The League of California Cities is holding a Jan. 22 member roundtable on the draft regulations.

The roundtable is an opportunity for members who work on, or have an interest in, plastic recycling to discuss the draft regulations and coordinate public comments submissions. City officials and staff should read the draft regulations in advance and be prepared to discuss the implications, anticipated costs, challenges, and other implementation factors of SB 54.  

 Courtesy: www.calcities.org