What Is EPR and Why Does It Matter for Oregon?

Changes are coming to how Oregionons recycle. These changes are part of a new law called the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), which introduces Extended Producer Responsibility, or EPR.

While the term might sound technical, the concept behind EPR is straightforward: the brands that create packaging, paper products, and food serviceware will now play a bigger role in making sure those materials get recycled properly. Instead of local governments and residents shouldering the full cost of recycling, brands will help fund and improve the system.

Why Did Oregon Create EPR?

Before the RMA, Oregon’s recycling system was inconsistent. What you could recycle depended on where you lived. Some areas had at-home recycling programs that accepted a wide variety of items, while others had limited or no access at all. The result was confusion, the wrong items being recycled, and in the worst cases, people just throwing recyclables in the trash.

The RMA and EPR aim to fix these issues and more. The funding that brands invest in Oregon’s recycling system will help ensure that more Oregonians have access to a reliable, easy-to-understand recycling system. It also ensures that recyclables are handled responsibly after collection.

How Does EPR Work?

Under EPR, producers don’t act alone. Instead, they join a nonprofit group called a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), which helps them meet legal requirements and manage the logistics. In Oregon and many other states, this group is Circular Action Alliance (CAA).

The responsibilities of the PRO include:

• Helping to fund recycling services across the state
• Collaborating with local governments and waste haulers
• Educating the public through campaigns like RecycleOn Oregon
• Tracking where recyclables go and ensuring responsible processing

The Benefits of EPR

EPR isn’t just about shifting responsibility. It’s about making recycling better for everyone. Here are some of the major benefits Oregonians can expect:

1. Consistency: Recycling rules will eventually be the same across the state. No more wondering if a yogurt container is accepted in your town but not your neighbor’s.
2. Better Access: Rural and underserved communities will see expanded recycling services. Many areas that have lacked service will now have it. 
3. Less Contamination: Clearer guidelines and better education mean fewer mistakes in the bin, which leads to higher-quality recycled materials.
4. Incentives for Eco-Friendly Design: Since producers now help pay for recycling, they have a reason to use materials that are easier to recycle. That could lead to smarter, more sustainable packaging.

What Changes Will You See?

Most of the changes won’t happen overnight, but here’s what to expect over the coming months and years:

• Updated recycling guidelines and educational materials
• New or expanded drop-off sites for items that don’t go in the recycling bin, like plastic lids and bags
• Continued support for recycling curbside staples like paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, and metal cans

If you’re already recycling, keep going! Just be sure to stay informed as updates roll out. Your city or county website and RecycleOn.org/Oregon are great resources.

A National Model

Oregon is the first state in the U.S. to implement an EPR law for packaging and paper. While other states are exploring similar policies, Oregon’s law is being watched closely as a model for modernizing recycling.

Kim Holmes, Executive Director of CAA Oregon, puts it best: “The work done by the state and communities as a result of the RMA will create a modernized system that shares the cost to fund recycling programs, supports innovation, and makes recycling easier and more effective for Oregonians.”

Why EPR Matters

Ultimately, EPR is about creating a system that works better for everyone. It means brands take responsibility, communities get the support they need, and the environment benefits from less waste and pollution.

So the next time you place a can or cardboard box in your bin, know that you’re part of something bigger—a better, more sustainable way to manage recycling in Oregon.