Truth in Recycling Labeling Act (SB 343): The July 2026 Federal District Court Injunction Against Enforcement

SB 343 (enacted 2021) prohibits the use of the "chasing arrows" recycling symbol and other recyclability claims on products or packaging manufactured on or after October 4, 2026 (18 months after publication of the final material characterization findings report), unless the item meets specific criteria—including that at least 60% of California's population have access to facilities that can actually recycle the item (the so-called "60/60" standard) and that the item routinely becomes feedstock for new products. CalRecycle published its final material characterization study findings on April 4, 2025, and updated portions of that data on June 24, 2026.

However, on July 14, 2026, a federal district court in Southern California granted a preliminary injunction against enforcement of SB 343 by the state Attorney General, in a suit brought by a coalition of 20 trade associations (California League of Food Producers v. Bonta). The court found the plaintiffs likely to succeed on their constitutional claims, suggesting that key components of SB 343 may not survive judicial review. However, this injunction protects only the plaintiff trade associations and their member companies; it does not apply generally to businesses outside the litigation. As a result, the large majority of companies are still advised to continue preparing for the October 4, 2026 compliance deadline.

Penalties for violations include misdemeanor charges under California Business and Professions Code Sections 17580 and 17580.5 (up to six months' imprisonment, a fine of up to $2,500, or both), as well as fines under Public Resources Code Section 18015 (up to $1,000).