Addressing the growing plastic pollution crisis, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed SB 54, a new law that places the financial and collection responsibility on plastic and packaging producers.
The passing and signing of SB 54 are the result of negotiations between lawmakers and the plastic industry killing a ballot initiative requiring all single-use plastic packaging and food ware to be recyclable, refillable, reusable, or compostable by 2032, as well as a 25% reduction in all single-use plastic production.
California based its new plastic regulatory framework on the concept of Extended Producer Responsibility (ERP). The industry will be tasked with managing the collection and recycling of plastic and giving CalRecycle total oversight. The plastic sector will also be responsible for financing the administration and management of the program and is subject to auditing. Recycling rates can also be increased in response to more plastic landing in waste streams.
