Extended producer responsibility for packaging laws will present notable changes for recyclers in the coming years.
Waste Dive covered many of the key milestones, as well as national discussions, about these policies in 2024.
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How state EPR for packaging policies advanced in 2024
Minnesota became the latest state to pass a law, while other state legislative efforts stalled or advanced incrementally. Meanwhile, implementation continued in multiple states.
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CalRecycle releases initial findings for recyclability labeling, EPR law implementation
By Maria Rachal • Jan. 3, 2024
The agency published draft rules and a covered materials category list pertinent to SB 54 as well as the SB 343 preliminary findings report. Read the full article ➔
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California names Circular Action Alliance its sole producer responsibility organization
By Megan Quinn • Jan. 9, 2024
The brand-led CAA had already been working in the state to connect with packaging producers. It is Colorado’s PRO and a member of Maryland’s EPR advisory committee. Read the full article ➔
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Colorado’s needs assessment offers glimpse into state’s EPR implementation
By Megan Quinn • Jan. 31, 2024
Recycling access is uneven in the state, the needs assessment finds. It calls for MRF and transfer station upgrades, a minimum recyclables list and other updates to add access for 500,000 households. Read the full article ➔
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5 themes from the Senate hearing on packaging EPR
By Maria Rachal • March 7, 2024
The Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works gathered comments from SC Johnson, Ameripen and World Wildlife Fund. Read the full article ➔
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Circular Action Alliance is lone PRO to submit program plan for Oregon EPR
By Maria Rachal • April 3, 2024
The brands-led group, which is already active in Colorado, California and Maryland, is eyeing end-of-year approval for its plan, as 2025 recycling changes loom. Read the full article ➔
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Colorado legislature greenlights ‘medium’ scenario for EPR implementation
By Maria Rachal • April 24, 2024
A revised needs assessment showed that the producer-funded program cost come 2035 could range between $190 million and $310 million. An estimate shows the recycling rate could reach 58% by that year. Read the full article ➔
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Colorado’s PRO appoints executive director to manage state’s EPR rollout
By Megan Quinn • June 5, 2024
Juri Freeman, CAA’s new executive director for Colorado, joins as the state buckles down on EPR implementation. Currently an RRS principal, he has served in numerous recycling and composting roles across the state. Read the full article ➔
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New York EPR for packaging bill fails to pass before end of legislative session
By Megan Quinn and Cole Rosengren • June 10, 2024
The state Senate approved the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, but the bill stalled in the Assembly. Bottle bill expansion and mattress EPR legislation also failed to advance. Read the full article ➔
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Minnesota governor signs packaging EPR law with mixed response from recyclers
By Megan Quinn and Maria Rachal • May 22, 2024
Minnesota became the fifth state to pass an EPR for packaging bill. The decision comes as California, Colorado, Maine and Oregon are working to implement detailed, complex packaging EPR programs of their own. Read the full article ➔
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Circular Action Alliance names its first CEO
By Megan Quinn • Aug. 13, 2024
Jeff Fielkow has decades of recycling and packaging experience at Tetra Pak, WM and elsewhere. The producer responsibility organization is ramping up work in Colorado, Oregon and California. Read the full article ➔
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California PRO names former CalRecycle director as state lead
By Maria Rachal • Dec. 5, 2024
Rachel Wagoner, former director of CalRecycle, will become CAA’s executive director for the state, where she will help oversee the rollout of an EPR for packaging law. Read the full article ➔
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Maine adopts final rules for EPR for packaging law
By Cole Rosengren and Megan Quinn • Dec. 6, 2024
The finalized rules come after months of public comments and stakeholder meetings. Certain stakeholders voiced concerns over costs, and some waste groups questioned a disposal reimbursement provision. Read the full article ➔
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Massachusetts governor signs law to form EPR commission for packaging, other categories
By Cole Rosengren • Dec. 5, 2024
A special commission, led by the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, will report back to the legislature by early 2026. It marks incremental progress in a state known for legislative inaction on waste issues. Read the full article ➔
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Maryland late on EPR recommendations, continuing work into 2025
By Megan Quinn • Dec. 11, 2024
The advisory council says it needs information from a recycling needs assessment to move forward on extended producer responsibility for packaging legislation recommendations that were originally due Dec. 1. Read the full article ➔
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What’s next now that Oregon has adopted final EPR for packaging rules
By Megan Quinn • Dec. 18, 2024
Finalized rules include new permitting and living wage requirements for MRFs, as well as new fees the PRO will be expected to pay certain recyclers. Read the full article ➔
Recommended Reading
- Tracking recycling laws by state By Megan Quinn • Updated Aug. 26, 2024
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