SB 54 Update: CalRecycle Releases Updated CMC List & First-Ever Recycling Rates

by | Feb 13, 2026 | California Cosmetic Regulations, California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, U.S. State Updates

CalRecycle has officially published the annual update to the Covered Material Categories (CMC) list under California’s SB 54 (Plastic Pollution and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act). This update, effective Jan 2026, is critical for determining if your packaging can be legally labeled as “recyclable” or “compostable” in California.

What’s New in this Update?

For the first time, the list includes published recycling rates by CMC, a requirement under PRC section 42061(b).

Why It Matters:

  • Defines Compliance: The list sets CalRecycle’s official determinations on which material categories meet the criteria for recyclability and compostability.
  • Labeling Impact: These determinations directly influence your eligibility to use “recyclable” or “compostable” labels pursuant to PRC sections 42061(c) and (d).

The updated CMC list and guidance on categorization on the CalRecycle SB 54 Covered Material Categories can be found on the webpage. It’s time to check your product classifications against the new rates. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this update.