What SB 54 Does

California's SB 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, is the most comprehensive packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) law in the United States. Signed into law in 2022, SB 54 fundamentally shifts the cost and responsibility for managing single-use packaging and foodware from local governments and consumers to the producers who create it.

Key requirements:

  • 25 percent reduction in single-use plastic packaging and foodware by 2032
  • All single-use packaging and foodware sold in California must be recyclable or compostable by 2032
  • At least 4 percent of the plastic reduction must come from transitioning to refillable or reusable packaging and foodware
  • $5 billion raised from the plastics industry over ten years to mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution
  • Producers must register with a designated Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) and fund programs to collect, sort, recycle, and compost packaging

The Circular Action Alliance (CAA), formed by industry groups, has been designated as the PRO responsible for implementing the program.

EPS Foam Foodware Ban

SB 54 required producers of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam foodware to demonstrate a recycling rate of at least 25 percent by January 1, 2025. Producers did not meet this threshold, triggering a statewide ban on the sale and distribution of EPS foodware — including containers, cups, and plates — effective January 1, 2025.

StopWaste's Leadership Role

StopWaste plays a direct leadership role in SB 54's implementation at the state level:

  • StopWaste's executive director chairs the statewide Packaging Producer Responsibility Advisory Board, advocating for the interests of local jurisdictions and ensuring that the rulemaking process reflects the needs of communities that manage packaging waste on the ground
  • StopWaste's member agency Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) provides regular feedback on draft regulations and other elements of the law, serving as an essential channel between local government practitioners and the state process

StopWaste has been working to ensure that local government voices are heard as SB 54 moves through its complex implementation process, particularly on issues of equitable access to recycling and composting infrastructure, contamination reduction, and the practical realities of curbside collection programs.

Current Implementation Status

SB 54 required CalRecycle to adopt implementing regulations by March 2025. The rulemaking process has been complex:

  • CalRecycle issued initial draft regulations in March 2024 and revised them substantially through multiple rounds of public comment
  • In March 2025, Governor Newsom directed CalRecycle to revise the draft regulations, citing concerns about implementation costs
  • CalRecycle restarted the rulemaking process in May 2025 with updated draft regulations
  • In January 2026, CalRecycle withdrew its proposed regulations for further revision

Current timeline:

  • Producer reporting of California packaging data was due November 15, 2025
  • A needs assessment is expected in early 2026
  • CAA will submit a draft Program Plan for CalRecycle review by mid-2026
  • The program is now targeted to formally launch with producer fee payments in January 2027

For the latest on SB 54 rulemaking, see CalRecycle's SB 54 page.

How SB 54 Connects to StopWaste's Work

SB 54's requirements intersect with many of StopWaste's existing programs and priorities:

Reusable Foodware

SB 54 requires that at least 4 percent of plastic reduction come from reuse and refill systems. StopWaste has been building the infrastructure for this transition through reusable foodware programs in schools (38+ Alameda County schools have switched to reusable stainless-steel trays and utensils), model reusable foodware ordinances adopted in Oakland, Berkeley, Albany, and beyond, and grants and technical assistance for restaurants and institutions.

Reusable Foodware Programs

Reusable Transport Packaging

Plastic film from transport packaging — pallet wrap, boxes, and shipping materials — is the largest type of plastic in Alameda County's waste stream. SB 54's source reduction requirements create new momentum for transitioning to reusable alternatives. StopWaste provides grants and technical assistance for businesses making this switch.

Reusable Transport Packaging

Contamination Reduction

Single-use packaging and foodware are a major source of contamination in both recycling and organics collection bins. SB 54's requirements for recyclability and compostability, combined with the EPS ban, should reduce problematic materials in the waste stream over time. StopWaste is already working with member agencies and haulers to address contamination through education, outreach, and technology.

Reducing Food Packaging Waste

CalRecycle estimates that in 2023, over 2.9 million tons of plastic were generated from single-use packaging and foodware in California alone. According to StopWaste's waste characterization study, 20 percent of Alameda County's landfill waste stream is comprised of single-use packaging and foodware.

Reducing Food Packaging Waste

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