On April 4, the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) published its final material characterization study report, starting the clock for compliance with Senate Bill No. 343 (SB 343), also known as the “Truth in Recycling” law. Under the law, marketers have 18 months from the date the study findings are published to comply with the requirements.

In 2021, California enacted SB 343, which prohibits the use of chasing arrows and any implied “recyclable” claims on products and packaging unless certain criteria are met. Specifically, SB 343 limits when a company can make a recyclable claim for a product or packaging to situations where:

  • The material type and form are collected for recycling by recycling programs in local jurisdictions that collectively encompass at least 60 percent of the population of the state
  • The material type and form are sorted into defined streams for recycling processes by large volume transfer or processing facilities that process materials and collectively serve at least 60 percent of recycling programs statewide, with the defined streams sent to and reclaimed at a reclaiming facility

(These requirements are similar to those in the current Federal Trade Commission Green Guides concerning Environmental Advertising.)

SB 343 directed CalRecycle to conduct a study of the types of materials actually recycled in California and publish the preliminary findings of the study. Businesses have 18 months from the date the study findings were published (April 4, 2025) to comply with the requirements of the law.

Companies should bear in mind that updating packages and labeling will require some lead time. Thus, as the compliance deadline approaches, marketers should assess their product packaging and “recyclable” claims, and modify if necessary, to ensure that they comply with SB 343.

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