CalRecycle is committed to serving the public during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) health emergency. California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-54-20 related to your business or program of interest. The health and safety of Californians is our top priority, and CalRecycle will continue to serve the public by protecting human health and the environment.
Executive Order N-54-20 states (among other things):
WHEREAS it is critical to protect the public health and safety and minimize the risk of COVID-19 exposure for workers engaged in essential activities, such as those handling reusable grocery bags or recyclable containers where recycling centers are not available; and
WHEREAS contact exposure at retail establishments, beverage dealers, and recycling centers could spread COVID-19, necessitating precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 …
IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT:
10) Public Resources Code section 14571.6, subdivisions (a) and (b), is suspended for a period of 60 days.
11) Public Resources Code section 14585, and California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 2500, are suspended for a period of 60 days to the extent that either requires a recycling center to operate a minimum number of hours per week or remain open during specific periods of time, and recycling centers shall be permitted to receive handling fees in accordance with guidelines for weekly hours and times of operation developed and issued by the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery shall develop and issue such guidelines no later than April 27, 2020.
12) Public Resources Code section 42283 is suspended for a period of 60 days to the extent that it prohibits retail establishments from (a) providing without charge reusable grocery bags or recycled paper bags to customers at point of sale, or (b) where it is not possible to provide reusable grocery bags or recycled paper bags, providing single-use carryout bags to customers at point of sale.
This Order is not intended to, and does not, apply to retail establishments in local jurisdictions with ordinances governing the use of single-use carryout bags in effect before January 1, 2015. Public Resources Code section 42287 continues to allow those jurisdictions to apply ordinances in effect before January 1, 2015 restricting the use of single-use carryout bags as well as any emergency rules established by those jurisdictions and their respective health departments.
The state order aims to maximize physical distancing while providing space for California businesses to adapt to rapidly evolving circumstances.
While California has temporarily suspended enforcement of bottle and can takeback requirements, local retailers and recycling centers may determine whether or not to close or stop redeeming CRV during this time. Consumers are advised to call ahead before bringing CRV containers for redemption.
While California has temporarily suspended the single-use carryout bag ban, Cal/OSHA issued guidance for the grocery industry. The safe handling of reusable bags and recyclable containers is addressed in the guidance.