California SB54 Source Reduction Bootcamp Highlights: Key Lessons for Circular Economy and EPR Implementation

Introduction

California’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework continues to evolve through the implementation of SB54. During today’s unPacked: Source Reducation Bootcamp, regulators and industry experts shared practical guidance on source reduction planning, incentive structures, and the role of data driven decision making.

The session highlighted that successful circular economy implementation starts with reliable datd, cross fumctional collaboration, and long term planning rather than short term compliance.

Key Takeaways

Five Source Reducation Pathways

• Rease & Refill
• Elimination
• Right/sizing & Bulk Packaging
• Post/Costumer Recycled (PCR) Content

Data First, Regulation Second

California is currently collecting producer datd to determine realistic reduction targets and future incentive structures.

Bonus-Malus Model

Companies reducing plastic use or increasing certified PCR content may recieve bonuses, while continued virgin plastic use may result in increasing malus fees.

Timeline

• August 1,2026 – Individual Source Reduction Plans
• October 2026 – Final fee schedule
• January 2027 – Program implementation begins

MCBI Prespective

For Mongolia and emerging battery circular economy systems, the webinar reinforces an important principle:

Effective Extended Producer Responsibility begins with data, transparency, collaboration, and phased implementation.