Washington

On March 4, 2026, the Washington state Department of Ecology (ECY) announced that Circular Action Alliance (CAA) will represent producer interests and serve as the nonprofit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) on the Recycling Reform Act Advisory Council.

Washington’s Recycling Reform Act, passed in 2025, established a program to implement and finance a statewide program for packaging and paper products that provides for the collection, transportation, and processing of used covered materials for reuse, recycling, and composting.

Producers of residential packaging, paper products and food serviceware will be required to join and fund a nonprofit PRO. The PRO will work with local governments and solid waste service providers to develop a program plan and roll out the program by 2030.

FAQ

  • Yes.
    CAA submitted a registration to become the appointed PRO on Washington’s Advisory Council and responsible for collaborating to develop the first program plan for the Recycling Reform Act. On March 4, 2026, the Washington state Department of Ecology (ECY) announced that CAA will represent producer interests and serve as the nonprofit PRO on the Recycling Reform Act Advisory Council.

    Producers are encouraged to continue to register with CAA through June 30, 2026.

  • Producers must register with a PRO by July 1, 2026 and will begin reporting annually to the PRO.

  • Washington’s Recycling Reform Act requires the PRO to pay for the costs of initial implementation of the program by September 1, 2026. In other states where CAA is the appointed PRO, CAA establishes a fee structure and timeline for these initial fees. CAA would do the same thing for Washington should we be appointed the PRO.

  • The Department of Ecology (Ecology) has appointed 19 members to the state Advisory Council required in the Recycling Reform Act. Ecology hosted the first Advisory Council meeting on February 5, 2026. For more information regarding council meetings, visit Ecology’s website or rraadvisorycouncil.org.

  • If you have questions, please visit our Contact Us page.

Key Milestones in the Regulatory and Implementation Process

  • By January 1, 2026

    Producers must appoint one or multiple PROs to address its covered materials.

  • By January 1, 2026

    Washington Department of Ecology must establish and appoint the initial membership of the advisory council.

  • By March 1, 2026

    A PRO must register with Washington Department of Ecology on behalf of its producers.

  • March 31 (or later) - May 31

    Reporting (ISA Signed & Simplified Reporting)

  • After July 1, 2026

    Producers must be a member of a PRO registered in this state or register as a PRO that will implement an individual plan.

  • By September 1, 2026

    The PRO must submit a one-time payment to Washington’s Department of Ecology, to cover the costs of the department under this chapter from July 27, 2025, through June 30, 2027.

  • By December 31, 2026

    Washington Ecology must complete its preliminary needs assessment. 

  • By December 31, 2027

    Washington Ecology must complete its final needs assessment. 

  • October 2028

    Draft Producer Responsibility Plan is due to Washington Ecology.

  • By 2030

    Program Implementation is expected to start. 

Updates

CAA will update this page with relevant rulemaking and compliance information as it becomes available. Please visit the Ecology website for more information on rulemaking and regulatory updates.

If you have questions, please visit our Contact Us page.