Circular Action Alliance Submitted Revised SB 54 Plan
The organization issued a 495-page proposal to CalRecycle following a 60-day public comment period.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Organic Food
Live Poll
Do you trust that new producer responsibility programs will effectively manage future waste disposal costs?
The Circular Action Alliance submitted a revised extended producer responsibility program plan to CalRecycle. This document incorporates feedback from over 2,400 public comments collected during a recent 60-day review period.
Why it matters
The revisions aim to align with regulatory requirements after a 16-month delay in finalizing guidelines. The program seeks to manage packaging materials and environmental standards in California under SB 54.
The revised program plan spans 495 pages and outlines a $1.11 billion budget for 2027. CalRecycle now has a 75-day window to respond to the submission.
The players
Circular Action Alliance
This organization is responsible for developing the extended producer responsibility program under California law.
CalRecycle
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery serves as the primary regulatory body for state waste management programs.
Jeff Meyers
He was appointed as the interim CEO of the Circular Action Alliance following a leadership change.
Jeff Fielkow
He is the former CEO of the Circular Action Alliance whose departure was announced following the plan submission.
Gavin Newsom
The Governor of California requested regulatory adjustments that contributed to the timeline of the program development.
The details
The plan details strategies for environmental justice, material reimbursement, and responsible end markets. Additionally, the organization announced a leadership transition, naming Jeff Meyers as interim CEO to replace the outgoing Jeff Fielkow.
Timeline
October 13, 2026: The Circular Action Alliance submitted the revised program plan to CalRecycle.
October 14, 2026: The organization announced the appointment of Jeff Meyers as interim CEO.
October 16, 2026: The SB 54 advisory board is scheduled to hold a meeting.
2027: The program is expected to begin implementation.
Culture Shift
This program reflects a broader societal shift toward mandatory circular economy standards for packaging manufacturers. It follows the precedent set by SB 54, which requires producers to take fiscal responsibility for the end-of-life management of their products.
The implementation of this program may eventually influence packaging costs and waste management fees for California residents and businesses. Shoppers might observe changes in product materials as companies adjust to the new regulatory requirements.
The takeaway
The submission of the revised plan represents a major step toward finalizing California's packaging waste management system. Stakeholders should monitor the upcoming advisory board meetings for further updates on the program's progression.
Further reading
For more on industry regulations, visit California Organic Food.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Waste Dive.
Live Poll
Do you trust that new producer responsibility programs will effectively manage future waste disposal costs?
