Commission hears factual briefing on statewide plastics ballot measure that would fund recycling and regulate single-use packaging

The San Francisco Commission on the Environment received a factual briefing March 22 on the California Recycling and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act, a statewide ballot measure set for the November 2022 general election.

Alexandrina "Alexa" Chavez, a policy associate with Californians Against Waste, told commissioners the measure would allow CalRecycle to set statewide regulations to reduce single-use plastics, standardize labeling, require transitions to reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging, and require producers to reduce single-use packaging and foodware by 25% annually toward a 2030 target. Chavez said producers could be assessed fees up to one cent per item or component, with an estimate of $1 billion to $2 billion in annual revenue.

Chavez said the measure would split fee revenue among the Natural Resources Agency (30% for waterways, coastal ecosystems and parks), CalRecycle (50% for recycling/composting infrastructure, regenerative farming, and food-waste prevention) and local governments (20% for local recycling programs and outreach).

Director Deborah Rafael opened the item, cautioned commissioners about the commission's neutrality on ballot measures, and framed the presentation as educational. Commissioners asked about the initiative's origins and whether it could be amended in future; Chavez said the legislature could address specifics but that CalRecycle would have authority to adopt regulations that can be updated over time.

The briefing concluded with commissioners thanking the presenter and noting the informational nature of the discussion; the commission did not take a position on the measure.