California Product Stewardship Council

10/06/2026

CPSC's Assistant Director, Joanne Brasch will be a featured speaker at the Solutions for Hard to Recycle Materials panel at the Zero Waste USA Conference, a virtual conference on Zoom!

Join us at the National Zero Waste Conference to hear this session.
https://zwconference.org/presentation/solutions-for-hard-to-recycle-materials/

🗓️ October 22, 2026
🕐 11:30 am Pacific Time
💻 Online, Two-Day Conference - October 21-22, 2026
🔗Find program, keynote, and registration information here: https://zwconference.org/
🔗 Visit https://events.humanitix.com/nzwc2026 to get your ticket today!
🔊 Speakers: Tony Hackett (moderator), Joanne Brasch, PhD, Leslie Brooks, Ph.D, Stefanie Valentic, Justin Stockdale

This session examines how the beauty and personal care sector can work towards circularity by engaging with stakeholders and addressing the logistical challenges of moving beyond single-use packaging. This session also breaks down what the latest battery EPR frameworks require, where the enforcement gaps remain, and why disposable vapes and other hazardous, battery-containing materials are largely unregulated and represent the next major legislative frontier. From beauty to battery-embedded and beyond, this session examines how EPR and other innovative policies and programs can create safer products, reduce hazards, and drive material recovery.

10/05/2026

Have expired marine flares? Free collection events are happening across California this October!

Boaters can safely dispose of expired pyrotechnic marine flares and learn about safer, reusable electronic alternatives. Events are being held in Orange, San Diego, Ventura, Alameda, Marin, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and West Contra Costa counties.

Eligibility and registration requirements vary by location.

Click here to read more: https://www.parks.ca.gov/NewsRelease/1589

10/02/2026

CPSC is building the foundation for solar panel collection across California, identifying pathways and breaking down barriers to reuse and recycling through our solar panel pilot programs.

Currently, in conjunction with the Butte County Public Works, we are collecting Butte County residential solar panels, working or not, for free during the month of October! You can schedule your drop-off appointment using the survey linked here or in our bio: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ButteSolarCollection

Learn more and explore our interactive solar panel reuse map at: calpsc.org/cpsc-solarstewardship

Funded by CalRecycle

10/01/2026

Resilience and commitment towards advancing California’s waste management systems define Zoe Heller’s career and directorship of CalRecycle.

We are appreciative of everything Zoe and the CalRecycle team do in efforts toward a responsible and circular economy.

Read the full article:
https://resource-recycling.com/resource-recycling-magazine/2026/09/10/leadership-at-a-pivotal-moment/

10/01/2026

AB 762( Irwin) has been signed into law by Governor Newson!

CPSC, Californians Against Waste , CALPIRG , and RethinkWaste co-sponsored this bill that bans the sale of single-use disposable vapes in California.

The lithium batteries used in these products puts major risk on waste management systems for fires and contamination.

A big thanks to our co-sponsors and to all that supported the bill along the way!

09/30/2026

Marine flares expire every 36 - 42 months and contain hazardous chemicals. Recreational boaters in the counties of San Diego, Ventura, Orange, Marin, Alameda, West Contra Costa, San Mateo, or Santa Cruz can dispose of expired flares for FREE at upcoming collection events!

👉 Learn more: www.calpsc.org/marineflarecollectionevents

Open to recreational boaters who live in or berth their boats in participating areas. Proof of residence or slip fee required. No commercial flares or other hazardous waste accepted.

09/29/2026

Contra Costa News highlights the free marine flare collection events taking place across California this October!

California Product Stewardship Council and are partnering with California State Parks and the Coastal Commission’s Boating Clean and Green Program to help boaters safely dispose of expired flares and explore reusable alternatives.

Read the full article for event details: https://contracosta.news/2026/09/27/free-marine-flare-collection-events-in-october-2026/amp/

09/29/2026

Hey boaters! Did you know your marine flares contain hazardous chemicals and expire every 36 to 42 months? If you're a recreational boater in San Diego, Ventura, or Orange County, you can safely dispose of expired marine flares for FREE at an upcoming local collection event.

Learn more: www.calpsc.org/marineflarecollectionevents

Marine Flare policies and projects for safe disposal and promoting reusable electronic distress signals.

09/28/2026

from CPSC! AB 762 (Irwin) has officially been signed into law by Governor Newsom!

This CPSC, Californians Against Waste , CALPIRG , and RethinkWaste co-sponsored bill bans the sale of single-use disposable vapes in California. This puts a focus on the harm and toxic waste caused by lithium-ion batteries.

Thank you to our co-sponsors on this bill and to our coalition of supporters that helped get this bill signed into action!

09/28/2026

! CPSC-sponsored bill AB 904 (Aguiar-Curry) has been signed into law by Governor Newsom!

AB 904 was amended to a carpet stewardship program update! Originally AB 80, the new bill number AB 904, updates the current provisions for California's carpet stewardship program for more transparency and efficiency.