Top: Graphic courtesy CalRecyle

California’s SB 54 became law in 2022, creating the framework for the state’s EPR (environmental producer responsibility) policy that all single-use packaging products in the state are reusable, recyclable, or compostable. In March, California Governor Gavin Newsom directed CalRecycle, the state agency responsible for promulgation of regulations to implement SB 54, to continue working on the regulatory package instead of finalizing it by a March 8 deadline so that the law “balances the need to cut plastic pollution with the importance of minimizing costs to families and small businesses,” according to CalRecycle. The delay creates an opportunity to improve regulation text with regard to compostable packaging, notes BPI in a press release: “SB 54 provided a clear mandate to create a compliance pathway for compostable products, defined in California law based on independent verification of globally recognized standards. We sincerely hope this restart builds off statutory definitions, creates requirements with adherence and clear standards, and considers the science and safety of disintegration and biodegradation. We also hope the delay provides the impetus for granting the other much needed action of an extension on the AB 1201 requirement that a product cannot be labeled ‘compostable’ or ‘home compostable’ unless it is an allowable agricultural organic input under the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program (NOP) beginning on Jan. 1, 2026. BPI has requested a 5-year extension and we continue to pursue a potential bill author to address the 2026 NOP deadline.”