Waste Dive
21 January 2026
California’s ‘truth in labeling’ law creates uncertainty about carton recycling
Why It Matters for ITAD
This law signals a regulatory trend toward stricter material transparency and 'truth in labeling' that could soon extend to electronics packaging, accessories, and composite e-waste materials. ITAD professionals must prepare for increased scrutiny of recycling claims on packaging for items like monitors, printers, and batteries, and should audit their own material marketing and downstream vendor claims for compliance.
SB 343 is slated to take effect in October. Carton advocates and environmental groups disagree over future markets and labeling for the material.
Key Takeaways
- • Regulatory focus is shifting to accurate recycling labels, which will impact product packaging and material marketing.
- • Uncertainty around composite material recycling markets may foreshadow similar challenges for complex e-waste streams.
- • Proactively review and verify all recycling claims on packaging and marketing materials to mitigate compliance risk.
