The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is making strides in implementing the state’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. Following a multi-step collaborative review process, DEQ approved a program plan submitted by Circular Action Alliance (CAA), making CAA the producer responsibility organization for Oregon’s new extended producer responsibility law for packaging, paper and food serviceware.
CAA has been selected as the compliance organization in several other states that have also passed extended producer responsibility laws for packaging, including California, Colorado, Maryland, and Minnesota. Oregon – the first state with an approved program plan – will be the first to launch an extended producer responsibility program for packaging and paper.
The program plan describes CAA’s approach to implementing Recycling Modernization Act requirements beginning July 1, 2025. The plan outlines how to enhance recycling, waste reduction, and reuse across the state through several key initiatives, including:
- Providing funding to local governments and recycling service providers for improvements to Oregon’s recycling system
- Establishing locations around the state to collect harder-to-recycle items
- Ensuring that collected materials are recycled responsibly
- Creating educational resources to help people learn about recycling changes and opportunities, and
- Reducing environmental impacts of paper, packaging, and food serviceware through fee incentives and by capitalizing a new waste reduction and reuse program.
DEQ will oversee CAA’s implementation of the approved plan and assist local governments and recycling service providers as they work together to bring changes to Oregon’s recycling system.
