As of Friday, May 1, 2026, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has officially approved and implemented the permanent regulations for the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54, Allen, Chapter 75, Statutes of 2022). The regulations are now effective and operational.
Key Developments:
- CalRecycle has launched the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility System (PEPRS) – a new electronic portal for producer registration, reporting, document submittals, and compliance monitoring.
- CalRecycle published comprehensive producer guidance materials, including:
- “Are you a Producer?” A situational screening tool for California’s Packaging Law
- “Identifying Covered Materials: Guidance for Producers of Single-Use Packaging and Single-Use Plastic Food Service Ware”
- June 1, 2026 (30 days from effective date) producers must take one of the following actions:
- Register with Circular Action Alliance (CAA) and submit supply data, OR
- Register with CalRecycle as an Independent Producer, OR
- Apply for Small Producer Exemption
Given the complexity of the finalized regulations and the critical June 1 deadline, CFSI is working with a coalition to undertake a comprehensive review and analysis of the permanent regulations to provide:
- Detailed regulatory interpretation and guidance
- Implementation timelines and benchmarks
If you have any questions, require additional information, please reach out directly.
For more information on SB 54 requirements:
CalRecycle Producer Guidance: https://calrecycle.ca.gov/packaging/packaging-epr/producerguidance
PEPRS Portal: https://secure.calrecycle.ca.gov/PEPRS/
Questions: packaging@calrecycle.ca.gov
Thank you.
Rob Ross