California: deadline for producers of EPS

Producers of expanded polystyrene (EPS) packaging food service-ware had until 1 January 2025 to demonstrate compliance with the required recycling rate of 25% to California’s Department of Resources Recycling (CalRecycle).

Non-compliant producers or suppliers will not be able to sell, distribute, import or otherwise place EPS products on the market in California.

The requirement comes from the first SB54, The Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act and sets increasing recyclability targets for the future:

• No less than 30% as of 1 January 2028
• No less than 50% as of 1 January 2030, and
• No less than 65% as of 1 January 2032

This reporting / demonstration of compliance with EPS recycling rates is not a requirement for producer responsibility organisations (PRO), but should be submitted directly to CalRecycle by EPS product producers.

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