California recycled-content bill AB 2253 awaits Newsom decision by 30 September
California's legislature has sent a package of packaging and recycling bills to Governor Gavin Newsom, including AB 2253, which would require recycled-content claims to be substantiated through documented chain-of-custody accounting rather than purchased credits. Newsom has until 30 September 2026 to sign or veto the bills; AB 2253 would take effect on 1 January 2030 if enacted. Separately, the federal PACK Act, which would pre-empt state recyclability-claim laws, advanced through committee, and an Oregon federal court ruling upholding that state's EPR law is being cited in litigation over California's SB 54.
Why this mattersA recycled-content verification standard, if signed, would force brand owners and resin suppliers to prove claims with certified supply-chain data rather than credits.
- AB 2253 was enrolled on 3 September 2026 and is on Governor Newsom's desk, with a 30 September 2026 deadline to sign or veto
- AB 2253 would require recycled-content claims to be substantiated through named chain-of-custody accounting models with written documentation, effective 1 January 2030
- The bill would bar substantiating claims by buying credits from third parties
- Opponents include Ameripen, the American Beverage Association, the American Chemistry Council, the Glass Packaging Institute and the Plastics Industry Association
- Supporters include the California Product Stewardship Council, Beyond Plastics, Republic Services, PureCycle and the Ecology Center
- The federal PACK Act (HR 6832) would set FTC-enforced national standards for recyclable, compostable and reusable claims, pre-empting state laws including California's