Producer Responsibility means holding manufacturers accountable for the full lifecycle of their products, including collection, recycling, and proper disposal at end of use.
What is producer responsibility?
Producer Responsibility is a policy approach that requires companies to take an active role in managing their products throughout their lifecycle, including funding and running programs for collection, recycling, and safe disposal. This shifts the cost and management of waste from local governments and ratepayers to producers and consumers, and encourages product redesign to reduce environmental impacts.
Why producer responsibility matters
Producer Responsibility helps San Francisco move closer to its Zero Waste goals by:
- Reducing the burden on local waste systems
- Increasing recycling and safe product disposal
- Incentivizing producers to design sustainable, less toxic products
- Supporting statewide frameworks for product stewardship
San Francisco actively supports state policy efforts that expand Producer Responsibility as part of broader environmental and waste reduction strategies.
State policy engagement
Because many products and supply chains extend beyond San Francisco’s borders, the City supports California Producer Responsibility legislation that holds producers accountable at a statewide level.
San Francisco has passed multiple resolutions urging the State Legislature to adopt frameworks that:
- Require producer accountability for end-of-life product management
- Help prevent marine debris
- Align with the City’s zero waste and pollution reduction goals
Local producer responsibility policies
San Francisco has adopted several local policies that apply Producer Responsibility principles. These include:
Collection and disposal programs
- Safe Drug Disposal Stewardship Ordinance — requires medicine manufacturers to provide safe and convenient disposal opportunities for unused drugs. View the policy.
Waste reduction and litter policies
- Bag reduction ordinances — reduce plastic bag pollution. View the policy.
- Cigarette Litter Abatement Fee — recovers city cleanup costs from tobacco product sales. View the policy.
Green purchasing and take-back requirements
- Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Program (SF Approved list) — requires vendors selling to the City to include product or packaging take-back and recycling provisions in City contracts. Visit SFApproved.org.
How producer responsibility supports Zero Waste
Producer Responsibility is a key part of San Francisco’s Zero Waste strategy, helping to:
- Reduce landfill waste
- Promote recycling and reuse
- Encourage design for durability and recyclability
- Shift costs of waste management to producers and product users
The City continues to advocate for policies that make Producer Responsibility systems stronger and expand their reach statewide.
