CalRecycle released new publications for SB 54 implementation, which are listed below. Additionally, the CRA Team filed a Public Information Request to get access to the model developed to estimate the source reduction baseline and other spreadsheets and we will review and share with our members once it is received.

As a reminder, this update, along with all of our SB 54 specific updates we have shared with CRA members over the past two years, are accessible via the member portal under the regulatory section and directly by clicking HERE. If you do not yet have a member portal login, need your password reset or have questions about the portal please email sarah@calretailers.com or reply to this email.

Needs Assessment Cumulative Report: Source Reduction Baseline

This report establishes the source reduction baseline for the weight of plastic and number of plastic components associated with single-use plastic packaging and single-use plastic food service ware sold, offered for sale or distributed in the state in the 2023 calendar year. View the Report HERE.

Source Reduction Baseline Technical Report

This is a technical report outlining the methodology utilized by Accenture (DRR24011) to inform CalRecycle’s estimated source reduction baseline. View the Report HERE. An appendix to the technical report, with more detailed information on the methodology used to estimate the baseline, will be published on the CalRecycle website later this week.

Background on Source Reduction Baseline Documents

Pursuant to Section 42057(b) of the Public Resources Code (PRC), CalRecycle must establish a baseline for the 25-percent source reduction requirement under the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54; Allen, Chapter 75, Statutes of 2022) for covered single-use plastic material. Pursuant to PRC Section 42067, CalRecycle is developing the initial statewide Needs Assessment to identify the actions and resources required to implement the law. As part of the initial statewide Needs Assessment, CalRecycle estimated the Source Reduction Baseline and published these documents on the SB 54 Needs Assessment webpage.

Covered Material Categories (CMC) List Annual Update

This new publication provides an update to recyclability and compostability determinations for covered material categories. This update does not include any changes to the categories of covered material published in the July 1, 2024 updated list of CMCs.

Background on CMC List and Annual Update Requirement

Pursuant to Section 42061 of the Public Resources Code, CalRecycle must publish and update annually a list of covered materials under SB 54. The CMC list, originally published on December 28, 2023, establishes the covered material categories themselves and sets forth CalRecycle’s determinations of which categories satisfy the requirements to be considered recyclable or eligible for being labeled compostable pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 42061(c) and (d) respectively.

The updated CMC list, which must be updated annually on January 1 each year and published on CalRecycle’s website pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 42061(e), can be found on the SB 54 Covered Material Categories webpage.