Legislative updates were a major focus, with presentations covering new State policies related to plastics, packaging, solar panel recovery, and vaping devices. These sessions highlighted California’s continued leadership in advancing producer responsibility and reducing environmental impacts. Speakers from local agencies (e.g., City of San Diego), higher education (e.g., University of California San Diego), and industry (e.g., Sprouts Farmers Market) highlighted progress in key areas such as food recovery under SB 1383, food recovery programs on university campuses, and retail-based waste reduction innovations.

The afternoon programming explored community and industry partnerships that support zero waste goals, including textile recycling under SB 707, best practices for battery and paint recycling, and models for reuse and repair such as Fix It Clinics and local creative reuse organizations. Several presentations from City and County staff detailed ongoing efforts to reduce contamination, improve residential recycling programs, and support circular economy development across the region.