CSAC Sponsors Assembly Bill 2462 to Hold Manufacturers Accountable for Dangerous Recalls 

On February 20, 2026, Assemblymember Gail Pellerin introduced AB 2462, co-sponsored by CSAC and the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC), to hold manufacturers accountable for dangerous product recalls. AB 2462 updates the Product Recall Safety and Protection Act (AB 1860, Huffman, 2008) which added state requirements to any manufacturer facing a federal recall. 

Since the passage of this bill, many manufacturers have directed consumers to bring recalled items to public solid and hazardous waste facilities instead of facilitating their safe return. The result has been increased costs for local public agencies for proper management and additional burdens on secondhand retailers to ensure unsafe products aren’t re-entering the market. 

AB 2462 will require the manufacturer to provide for the safe return of their product or appropriate disposal at no cost to consumers, municipal facilities, recycling and solid and hazardous waste facilities, retailers, and thrift stores. The bill also provides needed clarity by updating the definition of “manufacturer” and increases the civil penalties for noncompliance to facilitate effective enforcement. Penalties will be deposited into the Hazardous Product Recall Penalty Account and used by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) for activities related to collection and recycling of products, related grants, and administration and enforcement of the chapter. 

“AB 2462 restores accountability by ensuring manufacturers — not local taxpayers — bear the cost of managing dangerous recalls. As recalls grow more complex and costly, this measure protects public safety and shields limited local resources from avoidable burdens,” said Colusa County Supervisor and CSAC Second Vice President, Kent Boes.  

You can formally endorse this legislation by submitting a support letter using our template or signing onto the coalition support letter. For additional information or questions, please contact Jordan Wells, CSAC Legislative Advocate, at jwells@counties.org.