Earlier this year, Governor Gavin Newsom stymied the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) from finalizing the first set of regulations to implement SB 54 (Allen, 2022) — the most ambitious plastic pollution reduction law in the nation. SB 54 established an extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework, requiring plastic producers, not consumers or restaurants, to take responsibility for reducing single-use plastic waste.
Activists gather at a press conference in Sacramento in support of SB 54. Photo by Andy Smith.
Now, as CalRecycle continues the formal rulemaking process, the latest draft regulations released in August raise concerns. These draft regulations expand the scope of excluded products and packaging materials, and open the door for hazardous, climate-harming, and polluting technologies such as chemical recycling to be considered recycling, and establish overly lax standards for reusable and refillable packaging. These changes risk undermining the strong intent of SB 54: to hold producers accountable for plastic waste and dramatically reduce the flow of single-use plastics into our environment.
In response, 44 California-based Ocean Friendly Restaurants (OFRs) signed on to a joint comment letter urging Governor Newsom to uphold SB 54 as written and deliver on the promise of a truly comprehensive plastic pollution reduction strategy. These restaurants already lead by example—opting out of unnecessary single-use plastics, prioritizing reusable options, and demonstrating that businesses can thrive while protecting the ocean. Their message to the Governor is clear: California cannot afford to water down this landmark law.
A collage of ocean-friendly business leaders from across Surfrider's network. As of September 2025, there are over 600 participating restaurants throughout the county.
As the rulemaking process moves forward, we’ll continue to monitor developments and advocate for strong, enforceable regulations that reflect the original intent of SB 54. Plastic producers must be held accountable—not the public, not local governments, and not restaurants that are already working hard to reduce their footprint.
Thanks to SB 54, expanded polystyrene (styrofoam) has been banned in California as of January 1, 2025. CalRecycle has created a webpage where producers' violations of the ban on styrofoam can be reported. Learn more here.
Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Restaurants program recognizes restaurants that are committed to cutting out wasteful single-use plastic and offers a simple, straightforward framework to help them make sustainable choices for our ocean. The result is a community of like-minded restaurants we can promote, support, and lift up as examples of success to influence plastic reduction legislation. Learn more about the program and find an OFR near you!