SACRAMENTO
California overhauls recycling with plastic pollution and beverage container reforms
State enters critical phase of nation-leading circular economy rules
Taking action to address growing global plastic pollution while spurring innovation and job creation, California is launching new recycling regulations, reforms and funding to reduce single-use plastic waste in our state through cutting-edge technology.
Paving the path for a circular-use economy that reuses materials and products for as long as possible, California today released draft regulations for the country’s strongest requirements for producers to cut single-use plastic waste and ensure the packaging on products they sell is recyclable or compostable. California also will soon enter formal rulemaking for another groundbreaking law to expand beverage container redemption with innovative technology and partnerships.
“For decades, plastics have been falsely advertised as recyclable — while really being designed to be thrown away,” said Yana Garcia, California’s Secretary for Environmental Protection. “This growing source of trash ends up in our landfills or, too often, polluting our most vulnerable communities. That’s why California is taking nation-leading action to hold plastic producers accountable, protect our environment and communities, and build solutions to deliver on the promise of recycling.”
Additionally, CalRecycle has announced $55 million in grants supporting technology solutions and workforce development for the future of recycling in California.
Nation’s toughest rules for single-use packaging and plastic recycling
Packaging makes up over 50% of what California throws away. California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54, Allen, Chapter 75, Statutes of 2022) institutes the nation’s strongest requirements for producers to cut disposable plastic packaging and food ware, then recycle the rest.
This landmark law requires that by 2032, industry must:
- Sell 25% less single-use plastic packaging and food ware in the state.
- Make all single-use packaging and plastic food ware recyclable or compostable.
- Recycle 65% of single-use plastic packaging and food ware.
The law also creates a fund that will raise $5 billion from industry members for the state to address plastic pollution in communities most impacted by plastic pollution.
Today starts the formal rulemaking process for CalRecycle, which will receive public comments on the SB 54 rules for a minimum 45-day period. CalRecycle will also hold a hearing for public comments on the draft regulations.
Retailer cooperatives recycling sites
Spurring business innovation to make recycling more convenient, SB 1013 (Atkins, Chapter 610, Statutes of 2022) gives beverage retailers in areas with no recycling centers the choice to either redeem in-store or join a cooperative recycling program. The law removes the option for retailers to pay a $100 daily fee instead of redeeming.
The law and draft regulations posted today will bring more recycling sites to the state with new ways to redeem, including mobile recycling centers, reverse vending machines and recycling drop-off stations. The public may submit comments on the draft rules after they are published by the Office of Administrative Law.
Join CalRecycle’s Beverage Container Recycling Center Listserv to receive email updates on SB 1013 implementation.
Join CalRecycle’s SB 54 Listserv for email updates on the implementation process.
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LAKE COUNTY
Plungers raise money for Lake County Special Olympics
On Saturday, March 2, 2024, over seventy plungers, chickens, and supporters gathered for the Lake County Special Olympics annual Polar Plunge. Sun, rain, and snow greeted over 30 daring souls who plunged into the chilly waters of Clearlake at the Buckingham Homeowners Clubhouse.
This was the 30th year Lake County Special Olympics has participated in the Northern California Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. Each of those years Lake County Special Olympic has been fortunate to have the support of the Kelseyville Lions Club for the after-plunge luncheon and the Kelseyville Fire Department for EMT services to keep our plungers safe.
Plungers raising money were supported by many individuals, including sizeable donations from the Lakeshore Lions Club, Blue Angels Gas & Food in Clearlake, Susan King, Clearlake Police Officers Association, and the No Name Car Club. This year $22,275 has been raised so far, with donations to the plunger of your choice still being accepted until March 16, 2024 at 2024 Lake County Polar Plunge (onecause.com). This fun and enjoyable event is a plunge with a twist. Plungers and teams are encouraged to dress in costume and plunge. Those not able to or brave enough to take the plunge can still join the party as a designated “chicken” and hang out in our very own chicken coop.
Funds raised at this annual plunge party support our local volunteer Special Olympics program in the purchase of training equipment, uniforms, and transportation costs to attend competitions throughout Northern California. We currently offer six sports which includes basketball, track and field, bocce, golf, softball, and soccer.
Awards were presented at the Lake County Special Olympics Polar Plunge included top fundraiser-Halena Smalley, top team fundraiser-Team Presto, top law enforcement fundraiser-Lake County Probation Department, top schools fundraiser-Lake County Office of Education, top community team fundraiser-Lakeport Elks~Lakeport Kiwanis~Early Lake Lions, and top new team-Lake County Behavioral Health Services. Our best costume winner was Nila Plexico and the best team costume went to Team Pickle, the Lake County Probation Department.
Many thanks to everyone that helped with organizing, set up and take down for the event-Mary Lahti, Tammy Rund, Robert Saderlund, Eric Saderlund, John Lahti Sr, John Lahti Jr, Buckingham Homeowners Association, and the spontaneous volunteers that helped close it down in the pouring rain and snow.
Our sincere appreciation to all that donated to your favorite plunger and all those helping bring this event together. We look forward to seeing you all again next year.
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