Sustainable Packaging Act Reporting System (SPARS)

The Sustainable Packaging Act Reporting System (SPARS) was developed to facilitate online submission of applications for reusable, recyclable, and compostable food service packaging. Food service packaging manufacturers may submit an application for each item or group of items they seek to be included on the List of Approved Food Service Packaging.

Applications for Reusable, Recyclable, or Compostable Food Service Packaging Items

Food service packaging manufacturers may submit an application for an individual reusable, recyclable, or compostable food service packaging item, or a group of items, by selecting from the links below:

• Recyclable (Single Item Application | Group of Items Application)
• Reusable (Single Item Application | Group of Items Application)
• Compostable (Single Item Application  | Group of Items Application)

CalRecycle staff will perform a completeness review of applications to determine if all required information is included. Food service packaging manufacturers will be alerted within 30 days of the submission date of any missing information or deficiencies identified in the documentation provided. After CalRecycle has determined a food service packaging item, or group of items, meets the applicable criteria, it will be added to CalRecycle’s List of Approved Food Service Packaging.

Packaging Materials List

CalRecycle will develop and publish a list of material types that meet a subset of the recyclable or compostable criteria. This Materials List will help streamline the application and approval process by allowing applicants to reference a listed material type used to make a food service packaging item.

Materials Determined to Meet the Compostable Criteria in CCR subsection 17989.5(a)(1)(A):

• Paperboard – Uncoated
• Paperboard – Clay-coated
• Fiber – Sugarcane/Bagasse
• Fiber – Bamboo