SB 54 Summary

• Establishes the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, requiring producers of single-use packaging and plastic food service ware to meet recycling rates of 30% by 2028, 40% by 2030, and 65% by 2032, and ensure all covered materials are recyclable or compostable by January 1, 2032.

• Requires producers to achieve 25% source reduction of plastic covered materials by 2032, including at least 10% through shifting to reusable/refillable packaging or eliminating plastic components, with interim targets of 10% reduction by 2027 and 20% by 2030.

• Creates a producer responsibility organization (PRO) structure where producers must join an approved PRO or comply individually, with the PRO establishing fees on participants to fund collection, processing, recycling infrastructure, and local jurisdiction costs.

• Establishes a $500 million annual surcharge (2027-2037) on PROs to fund the California Plastic Pollution Mitigation Fund for environmental and public health mitigation, with 40% directed to wildlife and marine ecosystem protection and 60% to environmental justice and disadvantaged community impacts.

• Authorizes the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery to adopt implementing regulations, establish lists of recyclable and compostable materials, enforce requirements through civil penalties up to $50,000 per day per violation, and create an advisory board including local government, environmental, industry, and community representatives.