California SB 343 (2021), Public Resources Code § 42355.51
For packaging teams selling in California wondering when a recyclable claim or chasing arrows symbol can stay on pack. This page covers what you need to know and ways to avoid running into issues.
What we've seen reported
California SB 343, the Truth in Labeling for Recyclable Materials law, treats the chasing arrows symbol and other recyclability claims as deceptive unless the product or packaging is considered recyclable in the state, according to its text.1
Last updated October 2026 · General information only, not legal advice. Sources.
What the rules cover
These are the kinds of recyclability claims California SB 343 describes, according to its text and CalRecycle's guidance on it, and how they tend to show up on packaging.1,2
| Phrase or term | In practice |
|---|---|
| The chasing arrows symbol | On a product or packaging not considered recyclable in the state, the text treats it as deceptive or misleading. |
| Chasing arrows around a resin code | A resin identification code inside chasing arrows is named in the text alongside the symbol. |
| "Recyclable" | Any other statement indicating the item is recyclable falls under the same test. |
| "Please recycle", "Recycle me" | Wording that directs consumers to recycle the item is named in the text as well. |
| Collection by most programs | The test looks for collection by programs covering at least 60% of the state population. |
| Sorting at large facilities | And sorting at facilities serving at least 60% of recycling programs statewide. |
| A 75% recycling rate | Items with a demonstrated recycling rate of at least 75% can qualify another way. |
| Packaging made before October 4, 2026 | Products and packaging manufactured before that date are grandfathered, Wiley reports. |
Where it goes wrong
One approved claim ends up in many channels, markets and languages. Along the way it gets shortened, translated and reworded, and some versions end up using the very phrases you are trying to avoid.
"Carton: please check your local recycling program." No recycling symbol on California packs.
How Arbitr helps
Read every version by hand? Or use AI to check what you publish against what you've already approved.
FAQ
Wherever pack artwork and product copy get reused. CalRecycle's guidance describes the symbol and any other statement indicating recyclability,2 and we usually find both in:
Treat California artwork as its own approved version with its own record, not a quiet variant of the national pack. Then track which version each plant, co-packer and retailer is using, because older art files are where removed symbols come back. Our brand compliance page shows how teams track versions.
One record per format: the material, the approved recyclability wording or symbol, the CalRecycle material category you rely on, each print run's manufacture date, who approved it and where it's sold. Wiley reports that products made before October 4, 2026 are grandfathered,3 which makes those dates worth keeping.
How it applies to a specific label is a question for your legal adviser. Where that label appears across your markets and languages is a question Arbitr answers.
Packaging and sustainability usually own it, but design, procurement, e-commerce, marketing and co-packers all touch the artwork and copy. The federal view of recyclable claims is on our FTC Green Guides page, and other markets are on our environmental claims hub, including the EU rules on generic claims.
It paused enforcement by the Attorney General rather than striking the law down. On July 14, 2026, a federal court in San Diego granted a preliminary injunction while the case continues, Steptoe reports, and the law itself has not been repealed.4
Yes. Each language version is checked against the approved original and your rules for that market. Where you want a person to look, it goes to your own reviewers or to one of Arbitr's experts.
