SB 54 Update: California Releases New Guidance Documents For Plastic & Packaging EPR Law

California's Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, also known as Senate Bill (SB) 54, continues to move forward toward full implementation with the issuance of new guidance documents.

SB 54 is a so-called "Extended Producer Responsibility" (EPR) law with the goal of reducing single-use plastic packaging and foodware by shifting the cost of processing these materials to their producers, rather than consumers. This is done primarily by establishing a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), an entity that producers join and pay fees to. The PRO then implements and funds waste management, recycling, and waste reduction practices. In addition to shifting costs, SB 54 also requires that certain recycling and source reduction thresholds be met on a timeline leading up to 2032.