SF3561 - Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act Summary

• Establishes a producer responsibility program requiring packaging and paper product manufacturers to finance and implement statewide collection, recycling, composting, and reuse systems through producer responsibility organizations (PROs).

• Requires producers to register with PROs by January 1, 2025, and comply with approved stewardship plans by January 1, 2029; after January 1, 2032, covered materials must be reusable, refillable, recyclable, compostable, or on approved lists.

• Creates a Producer Responsibility Advisory Board to oversee implementation and establishes performance targets for recycling rates, composting rates, reuse rates, waste reduction, and postconsumer recycled content.

• Mandates needs assessments, service provider reimbursement at increasing percentages of costs (50% by 2027, 75% by 2028, 90% by 2029), and producer fees based on material quantity with incentives for sustainable design and disincentives for toxic substances.

• Authorizes the commissioner to enforce compliance through civil penalties up to $25,000 per day for violations, escalating to $50,000 and $100,000 for repeat violations; requires studies on workplace equity and covered material pollution by January 1, 2032.