CalRecycle works to reduce life-cycle environmental impacts of plastic products and packaging and to foster appropriate end-of-life management of plastic discards. Various programs and activities offer comprehensive approaches to managing plastic materials, ranging from product design and material choices to market incentives and infrastructure improvements.
CalRecycle Programs
- Single-Use Carryout Bags (SB 270). On November 8, 2016, California voters upheld the nation’s first statewide ban on single-use plastic bags, aligning state law with ordinances passed by a growing number of local governments in California to reduce plastic waste. FAQ | Law
- Plastic Trash Bags. Certain trash bags must contain at least 10 percent recycled plastic.
- Rigid Plastic Packaging Containers (RPPC). Manufacturers producing RPPCs (defined in statute) must meet one of several options, such as use of 25 percent recycled plastic feedstock.
- Beverage Container Recycling Program (includes some plastic beverage containers). Consumers pay California Refund Value (CRV) on each eligible beverage container, which is refundable when the empty container is returned.
- Plastic Market Development Payments. California processors and manufacturers may receive incentive payments for recycled CRV plastic used to make new products in the state. Notices for processors and manufacturers | Regulations | Public Resources Code
- Recycled Fiber, Plastic, and Glass Grants and Loans. A competitive program to lower greenhouse gas emissions by expanding existing capacity or establishing new facilities in California that use California-generated postconsumer fiber, plastic, or glass to manufacture products.
Other Information and Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions. Find out more about plastics recycling in California, and learn about the challenges of recycling plastic products.
- Biobased and Degradable Plastics. Learn about strict labeling laws in the state, and review findings from CalRecycle’s collaborative research.
- China’s National Sword. Restrictions on the import of recyclable material.
- Packaging White Paper. This report presents potential policy approaches to increase the collection and recovery of packaging in California.
For more information, contact plastics@calrecycle.ca.gov.