Tox of the Town
CalRecycle Publishes Several Components of the SB 54 Statewide Needs Assessment
by Sedina L. Banks, Sherry E. Jackman, Bryce Lourié, and Kaylinn Charnley
On February 18, 2026, CalRecycle published several components of the SB 54 statewide needs assessment, including five technical reports and a Synthesis Report summarizing the overall findings. The statewide needs assessment will be used to guide the Producer Responsibility Organization’s budget and the plan detailing how California will accomplish the goals of SB 54.
The five technical reports cover:
- The Current State of Collection,
- The Current State of Processing,
- The Current State of End Markets,
- The Current State of Source Reduction, and
- Consumer Education and Access.
These reports are part of CalRecycle’s studies evaluating each stage of covered material management. The studies will provide the basis for designing California’s plan to reduce plastic waste and support the circular economy.
CalRecycle is still preparing its studies on the Needed State of Collection, Processing, and End Markets and the Needed State of Source Reduction and Material Design.
For more information on SB 54, please see our previous articles, including Moving Targets: Multi-State EPR Packaging Laws—Key Updates & Deadlines.
