Producer Guidance

Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act

 

This information may be helpful for producers and others in navigating the requirements under California’s packaging producer responsibility law. 

Given the May 1, 2026, effective date of regulations, producers have until June 1, 2026, to do one of the following:

 

  • If participating in the approved producer responsibility organization (PRO) plan, 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 small producer, register with CalRecycle and apply for the small producer exemption. 

Producers Play a Strategic Role in Building a Circular Economy

California’s packaging producer responsibility law establishes a shared approach where producers play a key role in managing single-use packaging and plastic food service ware, helping reduce impacts on communities and local governments.

Producers must apply to participate in the PRO (Circular Actional Alliance) plan, submit an independent producer application, or obtain a small producer exemption.

Circular Action Alliance
Independent Producer
Small Producer

Coming Soon!

Information on various extensions, exemptions, and exclusions allowed under the law. Certain packaging or other materials, producers, and local jurisdictions and recycling service providers may be eligible.

Producer Guidance

The following documents are meant to help producers understand their legal requirements.

Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility System (PEPRS)

PEPRS is CalRecycle’s online portal for:

  • Producer Registration
  • Data Submission
  • Compliance Tracking

PEPRS enables producers and the PRO to submit required data to CalRecycle, including baseline and annual reporting, source reduction plans, and other compliance documentation. PEPRS allows different types of document submissions required by law.

There are two ways to report: 

  • Via the PRO: Circular Action Alliance manages registration, reporting, and submissions of certain exemptions and exclusions on the producers’ behalf.
  • Self-Reporting: Producers who must self-report through PEPRS include:
PEPRS Login

Packaging Producer Responsibility Targets

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JANUARY 1
2027

↓  10% Less Single-Use Plastic

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JANUARY 1
2028

♻  30% Single-Use Plastic Recycled

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JANUARY 1
2030

↓  20% Less Single-Use Plastic
♻  40% Single-Use Plastic Recycled 

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JANUARY 1
2032

↓ 25% Less Single-Use Plastic
♻ 65% Single-Use Plastic Recycled 
♼  100% Recyclable or Compostable Packaging

Circular Action Alliance serves as California’s first producer responsibility organization (PRO) in charge of implementing the state’s packaging producer responsibility law.

Circular Action Alliance logo

Independent Producers Approved by CalRecycle

Producers may comply with the law individually (without participating in a PRO plan) if they can demonstrate to CalRecycle that certain recycling rate and source-reduction goals have been met, depending on their covered material. Independent producers must have a CalRecycle-approved plan (14 CCR, section 18980.7) detailing how they will comply with the law.

  • Independent Producers (coming soon)

Closing the Loop on Single-Use Materials

Building a circular economy for packaging and food service ware

Producers ensure:

  • Products use recyclable and compostable materials
  • Consumers are educated and informed on recycling practices
  • Products are recycled or composted by responsible end markets

Related Links

Contact

Submit non-media questions about the program to Packaging@calrecycle.ca.gov.

For media inquiries OPA@calrecycle.ca.gov.