Environmental advertising: recyclability.

Assembly Member Wilson's proposal to modify California's recyclability advertising standards introduces new requirements for producers making recyclability claims about their products and packaging. The legislation amends the Public Resources Code to establish a two-phase implementation of stricter criteria for recyclability claims.

Under the proposed changes, products and packaging would initially qualify as recyclable through January 2027 if their producers obtain approval from a producer responsibility organization. Starting in 2027 through 2032, producers must both participate in a producer responsibility organization and comply with California's Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act to maintain recyclability status for their materials. This replaces the current provision that allows products to be deemed recyclable based solely on inclusion in state or federal recycling programs.

The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery maintains oversight through required material characterization studies conducted every five years, with the first update due in 2027. These studies will assess which materials meet the state's recyclability standards based on collection rates, processing capabilities, and contamination levels. The department must publish preliminary findings, hold public meetings for feedback, and issue final determinations within 60 days of public review.