CalRecycle has announced approval of regulations governing plastic waste. Taking effect on May 1, 2026, these rules implement California’s packaging producer responsibility law, requiring producers to reduce single-use plastic by 25% and ensure all packaging is recyclable or compostable. These changes shift the burden of rising trash costs, pollution, and harmful plastics away from taxpayers and local governments to producers of single-use products. “We’re taking action to stop producers from using excessive amounts of plastic packaging that pollutes our communities” CalRecycle Director Zoe Heller said.

Producers, led by a nonprofit producer responsibility organization, Circular Action Alliance, have until 2032 to meet statewide targets for:

• 25% less plastic, with nearly half of that achieved by eliminating plastic and shifting to reuse or refill systems
• 100% recyclable or compostable packaging and plastic food service ware, with 65% of plastic packaging and food service ware actually recycled

Registration & Preliminary Data Submission Requirements

• Producers must register by June 1, 2026.
• Producers must submit supply data for the 2023 calendar year when applying to become a participant in the PRO. This includes the following “supply data”, by covered material category:
  • Total weight of material sold, distributed, or imported in/into the state
  • Total number of plastic components sold, distributed, or imported
• Producers must also submit annual supply and source reduction reports for the 2025 calendar year by May 31, 2026.

CAA’s guidance document for data reporting and a preparation workbook is available here. The Association will be sending out guidance this week specifically to our members, so be on the lookout for those materials this week.