Launch of Oregon’s New Recycling System

Oregon Launches a New Era in Recycling

Big changes are coming to recycling in Oregon, and they’re all for the better. After five years of planning and collaboration, Oregon officially launched the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) on July 1, 2025. This landmark law reshapes how the state manages packaging, paper, and food serviceware, making recycling easier, more consistent, and more trustworthy for everyone.

A Smarter, More Reliable Recycling System

At the heart of the RMA is a new statewide Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program. This program shifts part of recycling funding to the brands that create packaging and paper products. These companies are now partners in improving Oregon’s recycling system.

To make it happen, Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved a program plan submitted by Circular Action Alliance (CAA), a nonprofit group working hand-in-hand with local governments, recycling providers, and community partners to bring this new system to life.

So, what does that mean for you?

Over the next several months and years, you may start seeing:

• Clearer, updated recycling guidelines.
• More information about where your recyclables go.
• Expanded access to drop-off sites for items like plastic lids, bags, and other materials that don’t go in the recycling bin at home and work.

No matter where you live in Oregon, the goal is to help you recycle with confidence, knowing that what you recycle will have a second life.

Some Communities Will See Bigger Changes Than Others

If you live in the Portland Metro area, you’ll continue recycling many of the same items. But in places like Jackson County or many rural communities, you may soon be able to recycle materials that weren’t previously accepted. Over time, recycling across the state will become more consistent.

A Team Effort

Improving the system takes everyone working together. The RMA brings together state agencies, local governments, waste haulers, recyclers, community groups, and the businesses that make packaging and paper products. The result is a more collaborative and modern approach to recycling.

“Oregon is leading the way with this first-of-its-kind law,” says Kim Holmes, Executive Director of CAA Oregon. “We’re building an improved, accessible, and more effective recycling system that makes it easier for everyone to participate.”

To support this effort, RecycleOn Oregon was created to provide trustworthy, easy-to-follow recycling information. It’s another resource for understanding what goes where, how recycling works, and what changes are happening.

Making Recycling Easier Across the State

For years, recycling in Oregon has varied depending on where you live. Some communities could recycle more items than others, and others had limited or no access to recycling services. That patchwork approach often left people confused and unsure.

Now, the RMA is bringing consistency, clarity, and new funding to Oregon’s recycling system:

• Everyone will eventually recycle the same materials, no matter where they live.
• Clear, statewide guidelines will reduce confusion.
• More funding from brands will support better services and infrastructure.

This means that whether you’re in Portland, Pendleton, Bend, or Brookings, the rules will be simpler—and the results more effective.

How Extended Producer Responsibility Works

With EPR, the companies that create packaging and paper don’t manage recycling themselves. Instead, they join a nonprofit organization called a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). In Oregon’s case, the PRO is Circular Action Alliance. CAA helps coordinate recycling improvements, meet legal requirements, and work with local communities to improve recycling. It’s a shared approach: brands provide funding and support, while local governments and haulers deliver the services on the ground.

Giving Materials a Second Life

Recycling doesn’t end at the curb. After your recycling bin is picked up, the items are sorted into categories like metal, plastic, and paper. Then they’re sent to businesses that turn recycled materials into new products called “end markets”.

Giving items a second life reduces the need for virgin materials and helps close the recycling loop. Thanks to the RMA, Oregon’s materials go to responsible end markets that meet specific environmental and performance measures.

What’s Coming Next

The work is just beginning, and the improvements will roll out over the next several years. Here’s what to expect:

• Clear statewide recycling guidelines that are easier to follow
• Education and outreach through RecycleOn Oregon to help you stay informed
• New drop-off sites for items like plastic bags, lids, and wrap—materials that don’t belong in your home recycling bin
• Better data and transparency about where your recycling goes and what it becomes

Whether you recycle at home, at work, or on the go, these changes will make it easier to do the right thing and feel confident that it makes a difference.

Stay Connected

To keep up with the latest recycling updates in your area, visit your local city or county recycling website or visit www.RecycleOn.org/Oregon.