Washington

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 Producer Responsibility Organization (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

  • Washington will determine the PRO based on producers appointing an organization to represent them. Producers who would like to appoint CAA as their PRO for Washington should register here by Dec. 15.

  • CAA will register with Washington Department of Ecology by March 1, 2026 on behalf of all producers who have registered with CAA by February 15, 2026.

  • 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.

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.

  • 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.