CalRecycle Updates SB 343 Final Report to Reflect Cartons as Widely Recyclable in California

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): The Carton Council of North America announced that CalRecycle has updated its SB 343 Final Findings Report to reflect an increase in counties served by food and beverage carton recycling and sortation programs. This update reflects the following key figures about carton recycling in California:

•          72% of households have access to aseptic carton rec eycling, and 74% have access to gable top carton recycling.
•          68% of the state’s counties are served by material recovery facilities (MRFs) that accept and sort cartons.

“We greatly appreciate the thorough collaboration and support from CalRecycle throughout this data submission and review process,” said Jordan Fengel, executive director of the Carton Council. “Their review of new information and verification of real-world recycling system performance has ensured the status of food and beverage cartons is accurately reported. We hope the validation of being widely recyclable in California will drive more residents to recycle their food and beverage cartons.”

This decision follows Carton Council’s submission of data showing that an additional seven counties have started sorting food and beverage cartons, for a total of 23, since the initial April 2025 report. The Carton Council emphasized the importance of continued partnership as California implements SB 54 to develop an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for packaging.

“We look forward to continued engagement with CalRecycle during the upcoming SB 54 rulemaking process,” Fengel added. “Together, we can establish a well-performing, equitable and transparent EPR program that supports California’s ambitious recycling and circular economy goals.”

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com