Senate Bill 54 Plastic Pollution Law Recent Updates
Published Friday, August 7, 2026
Implementation of California’s packaging producer responsibility law, Senate Bill 54 (2022) by state Sen. Ben Allen, D-El Segundo, is underway. The Circular Action Alliance, the organization selected to administer the program, has released a California Program Plan outlining how producers would comply with the law. CalRecycle is reviewing the plan.
Agricultural organizations are concerned that the plan does not adequately recognize the role of fresh food packaging in protecting food safety and quality, extending shelf life, reducing waste and withstanding transportation. Some materials could be phased out before practical alternatives are available, while reuse requirements may not be feasible for every commodity.
The program is also expected to impose significant costs throughout the supply chain, potentially increasing food prices. Beginning this month, producers must submit packaging data, with fee rates expected in October. Initial payments to the California Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund are scheduled to begin Jan. 1.
Public comments remain open through Aug. 13. California Farm Bureau joined agricultural organizations in urging CalRecycle to provide greater flexibility, clarify key requirements and allow additional time for compliance.
Staff contact: Daniella Legostaev, dlegostaev@cfbf.com.
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