Curto | stock.adobe.com
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has updated its "Senate Bill 343 Final Findings Report" to reflect an increase in counties served by food and beverage carton recycling and sortation programs.
The Falls Church, Virginia-based Carton Council of North America says the update reflects that 72 percent of households have access to aseptic carton recycling, and 74 percent have access to gable top carton recycling. Additionally, 68 percent 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,” Carton Council Executive Director Jordan Fengel says. “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.”
The council says CalRecycle’s decision follows its submission of data showing that an additional seven counties have started sorting food and beverage cartons—for a total of 23 counties—since the initial report’s release in April.
The organization is emphasizing the importance of continued partnership as the state implements Senate Bill 54 to develop an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for packaging.
“We look forward to continued engagement with CalRecycle during the upcoming S.B. 54 rulemaking process,” Fengel says. “Together, we can establish a well-performing, equitable and transparent EPR program that supports California’s ambitious recycling and circular economy goals.”
The Carton Council says it continues to work with recycling facilities, municipalities and state agencies to grow the recycling of food and beverage cartons.