What SB 54 Means for You
California has some of the most dedicated recycling programs in the country. Jurisdictions, haulers, and local operators have been doing this work for years. SB 54 is designed to support and strengthen those efforts through additional funding, coordination, and statewide alignment.
Goals of SB 54
By January 1, 2032:
How SB 54 unfolds
Tier 3 · Commission Find out what SB 54 means for your work
SB 54 brings changes to how the recycling system is funded and what is expected of it. The questions below cover what is changing, what stays the same, and how different organizations may be affected. Start here.
What is SB 54, in simple terms?
SB 54 is the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. It creates a new, producer-funded system to manage packaging and food serviceware, along with improving recycling and composting efforts across California. Producers take on an active role in funding system improvements while local governments continue to operate existing programs.
What issue is SB 54 trying to address?
California's recycling system faces real challenges. Operational and capacity gaps exist across the state, recycling outcomes vary by community, and local programs have historically carried most of the responsibility. SB 54 is designed to improve how packaging is managed, strengthen recycling performance, and create a more consistent and coordinated system statewide.
What is Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR?
EPR is a policy approach that shifts the cost of managing packaging from local governments and taxpayers to the companies that make and sell it. Under EPR, producers pay fees that fund collection, processing, education and outreach, infrastructure improvements, and end market development.
What is actually changing?
Funding is shifting from primarily local sources to a producer-funded model. Responsibility is more clearly shared across producers, jurisdictions, and service providers. And statewide standards for recycling and reporting are being established for the first time.
What is NOT changing?
Local programs stay local. Jurisdictions, haulers, and recyclers remain responsible for day-to-day operations. Existing laws like SB 1383 still apply. SB 54 supports and strengthens what is already in place.
What are Covered Material Categories, or CMCs?
CMCs are the standardized classifications of packaging covered under SB 54. They define what must meet recyclability or compostability standards and what gets tracked and reported. CalRecycle defines and updates the CMC list annually.
How does SB 54 connect to existing laws?
SB 54 builds on SB 1383, which focuses on organics and composting; SB 343, which defines recyclable materials; and AB 1201, which sets labeling requirements for compostable products. Together these laws address the full arc of how materials are designed, labeled, collected, and recovered.
When does implementation begin?
Pending approval of the program plan by CalRecycle by December 27, 2026, CAA will begin implementation in January 2027.
Will this increase costs for local governments or ratepayers?
No. CAA is responsible for covering all new and additional costs related to statewide SB 54 implementation.
What to do next
Tell us how you fit into SB 54. Your answers help CAA share relevant information, funding opportunities, and updates with organizations across California.
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