New CA Legislation Requires All Single-use Packaging To Be Recyclable By 2032

The Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (the "Act") was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on June 30, 2022.¹ This comprehensive legislation seeks to shift the costs of recycling infrastructure, recycling plants, and collection and sorting facilities to packaging manufacturers and away from taxpayers. In an effort to combat the environmental impacts of plastic pollution, the Act specifically targets the reduction of single-use packaging and food service ware, including but not limited to plastic-coated paper or paperboard, toiletry bottles, quick service bowls, lids, cups, stirrers, straws, and utensils. One of the most notable aspects of the Act is that all single-use packaging or food service ware — not just plastic packaging— manufactured or introduced to California must be recyclable or compostable by 2032.