The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) announces that on May 1, 2026, the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) approved the permanent regulations for the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54, Allen, Chapter 75, statutes of 2022) and filed them with the Secretary of State. The regulations became effective upon filing.  

In conjunction with this action, CalRecycle launched a new electronic portal, the Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility System (PEPRS), designed to support producer registration, reporting, document submittals, and compliance monitoring. 

To assist entities with transitioning into program implementation, CalRecycle published a new webpage for Producers, and plans to publish new guidance materials soon. These documents include:  

• Are you a Producer? A situational screening tool for California’s Packaging Law 

• Identifying Covered Materials: Guidance for Producers of Single-Use Packaging and Single-Use Plastic Food Service Ware 

As the regulations became effective on May 1, 2026, several regulatory deadlines now apply. Producers have 30 days to do one of the following: 

• If participating in the approved producer responsibility organization (PRO), register with Circular Action Alliance (CAA) and submit supply data to CAA. 

• If complying individually, register with CalRecycle and apply to be an Independent Producer. 

• If qualifying for an exemption for a small producer, register with CalRecycle and apply for the Small Producer Exemption.  

As 30 days from May 1, 2026 falls on a Sunday, the deadline for compliance extends to the next business day. Therefore, these requirements must be met no later than June 1, 2026.  

If you have any questions, please contact packaging@calrecycle.ca.gov.