The California legislature passed complex paper and packaging stewardship legislation late last week (SB 54), and Governor Newsom signed it into law last Friday, making California the fourth state to enact this type of legislation, following Colorado just a few weeks ago and Maine and Oregon last year.

Among other things, the law requires all packaging in the state to be recyclable or compostable by 2032. This measure was passed amid intense negotiations as an alternative to a proposed ballot initiative that would have been presented to California voters in November. The legislation’s sponsor has already promised to introduce “clean up” legislation next year to address several regulatory gaps in the bill as enacted.

ISPA is tracking how the recently enacted laws will be implemented and other states’ efforts to consider similar legislation to determine their potential impact on mattress manufacturers.