Background
With the passage of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582), the Oregon Legislature in 2021 set in motion a fundamental redesign of the state’s recycling system. The revised system follows an extended producer responsibility (EPR) model that transfers the cost of recycling partly to “producers” of packaging and other recyclable material.
The law establishes various producer categories (for a packaged item sold in a retail store, for example, the producer is the brand-owning manufacturer). The law also defines covered items, which generally belong to one of three categories: packaging, food servicewear, and printing and writing paper.
The law requires producers to join a producer responsibility organization (PRO), which is a third-party entity that administers the program. Producers pay an annual membership fee to their PRO. Oregon has approved a single PRO, Circular Action Alliance. The deadline to join Oregon’s PRO passed on March 31, and the program will go into effect on July 1, 2025.
(To learn more about Oregon’s EPR program, visit OBI’s Recycling Modernization Act Resource web page here.)
Why has OBI Created an Ad Hoc EPR Committee?
Oregon’s EPR is a sweeping, complex law featuring multiple layers of bureaucracy and a very ambitious implementation schedule. Moreover, awareness of the law among regulated businesses is far lower than it should be.
OBI has created this committee, which will meet monthly, for a few reasons. First, the committee will provide critical information and timely updates to regulated businesses. Second, it will provide a forum for businesses to share compliance challenges and advice. Third, it will help OBI to identify necessary program changes, which OBI’s policy team will pursue.
As necessary, the committee also will discuss Oregon’s other EPR programs, which regulate mattresses, plaint, electronics and prescription drugs.
How to Join the Committee
Please email Derek Sangston if someone from your organization would like to join the EPR Committee. Ideal committee members are those who serve as compliance leads and those most in need of timely recycling policy information. Members may have multiple representatives on the committee.
Learn More
To learn more about Oregon’s EPR program, visit OBI’s Recycling Modernization Act Resource web page here.