CAA Newsroom
Find the latest news, compliance notices, and updates for the paper and packaging EPR community.
Blog
Last July, Oregon took a big step toward a stronger recycling system by launching the nation's first producer-funded recycling program for paper and packaging. Over the past year, we've been working with local governments, recycling service providers and producers to put those investments into action. Some changes, like expanded curbside recycling service and new RecycleOn Centers, are already making recycling more accessible for Oregonians.
California’s complex waste and recycling system serves communities with diverse needs, infrastructure, and service models. Packaging represents a significant share of materials moving through that system, and the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) establishes a new framework to better align responsibility, funding, and performance as California looks to improve waste reduction and recycling outcomes statewide.
Circular Action Alliance Oregon submitted its program plan amendment focused on Responsible End Markets (REMs) to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This submission is an important step toward building a recycling system that minimizes the impacts to the environment and human health while supporting a stable and efficient circular economy for years to come. Once approved, this amendment will improve the REM verification process in Oregon by giving every end market a practical way to meet the Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) requirements.
Press Releases
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Oregon has launched a series of consultation webinars to support development of the organization's next program plan, which will guide implementation of Oregon's paper and packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) program from 2028 through 2032.
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Oregon released its first annual report on the state’s paper and packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, highlighting how producer-funded investments are beginning to roll out across the recycling system. New collection sites, equipment and support for local recycling programs are expanding across Oregon under the state’s EPR law.
Residents in Hood River and The Dalles have two new free places to recycle materials not accepted in curbside recycling carts. The new centers help reduce contamination in recycling and increase the number of items recycled.
A producer-funded investment of more than $1 million will help Sanitary Disposal expand recycling service to approximately 10,000 households in Boardman, Hermiston, the City of Umatilla and the UGBs in Morrow and Umatilla County beginning this summer. Recycling cart delivery will begin the week of June 22 and is expected to be completed before July 1.
Circular Action Alliance California (CAA) today submitted its California program plan to the Packaging Producer Responsibility Advisory Board as required under California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54), marking a key milestone in the state’s effort to reduce packaging waste and strengthen recycling and reuse systems.
Circular Action Alliance Oregon provided over $1.1 million to Baker Sanitary for 5,000+ new recycling carts and two new recycling trucks.
Residents also have access to a new RecycleOn Center for items not accepted curbside, including glass, plastic bags, and aluminum foil. More ways to recycle, right where people live.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Oregon’s program plan amendment on Responsible End Markets (REM), strengthening how recyclable materials collected in Oregon are verified as being managed responsibly under the state’s Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).
Roseburg Disposal will begin rolling out more than 10,000 new recycling carts to customers in April. Each cart will be delivered with a packet of information, including the Recycling Guide and other program details.
The Dalles Disposal, in partnership with Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Oregon, announced expanded curbside recycling service for the City of The Dalles, launching March 30, 2026. The Dalles is the first Oregon community to expand curbside recycling access using producer funding available through the state’s Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).
On Monday, Feb. 9, Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Oregon submitted an updated Responsible End Market (REM) program plan amendment to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), advancing implementation of Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act by strengthening how recyclable materials are verified as responsibly recycled – a cornerstone of the Recycling Modernization Act.
Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has announced Circular Action Alliance (CAA) as the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to lead the implementation of the Recycling Reform Act, the state’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law for residential paper and product packaging.
As the designated PRO, CAA will work closely with Ecology, producers and other interest holders to expand recycling access for Washington residents and invest in a more effective and efficient system in the state.
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is proud to announce that the plan to implement Colorado’s House Bill 22-1355, the Producer Responsibility Program for Statewide Recycling Act, was officially approved by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). This approval marks a significant milestone in the state’s transition to a 100% producer-funded, statewide system for recycling packaging and paper products. The final plan reflects the leadership of CAA and the results of collaboration among producers of packaging and paper products, CDPHE, local governments, businesses, nonprofits, recyclers and communities across Colorado. The program is projected to more than double the state’s recycling rate for packaging and paper by 2035.
This milestone represents a significant step forward in building the infrastructure needed to support California producers in meeting upcoming program requirements. CAA is ready and moving ahead, providing the tools and guidance, and encourages obligated producers to complete their registration with CAA prior to Sept. 5, 2025.
This milestone represents a significant step forward in building the infrastructure needed to support California producers in meeting upcoming program requirements. CAA is ready and moving ahead, providing the tools and guidance, and encourages obligated producers to complete their registration with CAA prior to Sept. 5, 2025.
Producers selling packaging, paper products, and food serviceware into Colorado must report supply data to Circular Action Alliance (CAA) by July 31, 2025, to remain in compliance with the state’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law. The reporting requirement is a critical step in the law’s implementation and Colorado’s transition to a circular, producer-funded recycling system. CAA serves as the designated Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) in Colorado.
This month, Oregon is starting to rollout a major statewide initiative to expand access to recycling and bring greater clarity and consistency to communities across the state. Backed by the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), RecycleOn Oregon is a new public awareness campaign that will help Oregonians stay informed, recycle correctly and prepare for the most significant recycling system upgrade the state has seen in decades.
Circular Action Alliance (CAA), a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs in the United States, proudly announces the official launch of Oregon’s statewide EPR program for packaging, printing and writing paper, and food serviceware. This marks the first packaging EPR program in the nation, established under Oregon’s landmark Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).
Producers located in Minnesota or elsewhere that sell, distribute or ship products into the state with packaging or printed paper are likely obligated under the new EPR law, and must complete registration with CAA to remain in compliance.
As Circular Action Alliance (CAA) enters a critical phase of operationalizing its comprehensive strategy for California's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, SB 54, the organization is advancing implementation in several areas. This progress marks a pivotal moment in establishing the necessary systems and frameworks to advance the plan for meeting the state's ambitious recycling and packaging waste reduction goals.
Circular Action Alliance (CAA), a nonprofit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to implementing effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging in the United States, announced today that The Campbell’s Company, IKEA Supply AG and Starbucks Corporation have joined the organization as Founding Members. These companies will make an immediate contribution to the work of CAA's Board of Directors and grow the diversity of industries and packaging portfolios represented by these companies.
Circular Action Alliance (CAA), a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to implementing effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging in the United States, proudly announces the approval of the country’s first EPR Program Plan for packaging, printing and writing paper and food serviceware by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This marks a significant milestone in implementing Oregon’s landmark EPR law, the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), which aims to create a more sustainable, equitable, and efficient recycling system statewide.
Circular Action Alliance (CAA), a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to implementing effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging in the United States, proudly announces the approval of the country’s first EPR Program Plan for packaging, printing and writing paper and food serviceware by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This marks a significant milestone in implementing Oregon’s landmark EPR law, the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), which aims to create a more sustainable, equitable, and efficient recycling system statewide.
Circular Action Alliance (CAA), a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to implementing effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging in the United States, proudly announces the approval of the country’s first EPR Program Plan for packaging, printing and writing paper and food serviceware by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This marks a significant milestone in implementing Oregon’s landmark EPR law, the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), which aims to create a more sustainable, equitable, and efficient recycling system statewide.
Conagra Brands and Georgia-Pacific have joined CAA as Founding Members. With their deep expertise in packaging design and recycling in the U.S. and globally, these companies will make an immediate contribution to the work of CAA's Board of Directors and grow the diversity of the packaging portfolio represented by these companies.
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is pleased to announce Rachel Wagoner as the organization's executive director for California, effective immediately. Wagoner most recently served as the director of the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) and brings statewide leadership experience to this critical role implementing California's Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54).
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is pleased to announce industry leader Jeff Fielkow as the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, effective August 20, 2024. Fielkow’s appointment is a major milestone for the U.S. Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) tasked with implementing the nation’s first Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging.
In The News
Extended producer responsibility programs for packaging are largely moving forward, with some innovations in Oregon, representatives from Circular Action Alliance said at a quarterly update.
“The deadline is the deadline,” said Geoffrey Inch, senior vice president of producer services at CAA, on a quarterly informational call hosted by the PRO this week.
CAA urged producers to reach out as soon as possible with questions or any issues. “We really encourage you to get in the best estimated report that you can based on our guidance documents,” he said.
With the March 31, 2025, deadline fast approaching, businesses operating in Oregon must ensure compliance with the state's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws. These regulations, enforced under the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, require producers of certain materials to report their supply and take accountability for waste management. Failure to comply could result in penalties and impact business operations.
A newly released assessment, along with a recommendation report from a stakeholder group, could both help shape EPR for packaging legislation this year.
“Geoff Inch, senior vice president of producer services for PRO Circular Action Alliance, told Resource Recycling that the numbers have grown disproportionately in Oregon as the deadline approaches, which matches the surge in signups that came before Colorado’s Oct. 1 registration deadline in 2024.
“‘We definitely see a surge in registrations related to specific regulatory deadlines,’ Inch said. ‘That really helps.’”
“Olivia Barker, communications adviser at the Circular Action Alliance (CAA), responded by pointing out that CAA is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization, not an advocacy organization. CAA has been picked to oversee EPR programs in several states as their PRO, including two of the five that have passed EPR regulations so far.
“‘We are a compliance organization,” Barker said. “Our job—and our mission—is to implement these laws effectively.’”
“Jeff Fielkow has experience ‘on every side of the recycling bin.’ He’s tapping into those different perspectives as the CEO of Circular Action Alliance.
“Packaging Dive caught up with Fielkow at the end of 2024 to learn more about CAA’s approach in 2025 and the years to come.”
To help shed some light on these new packaging EPR laws, PPAI Media reached out to Circular Action Alliance, currently the only active producer responsibility organization (PRO) in the U.S. dedicated to implementing EPR laws for paper and packaging. This organization analyzes the relevant EPR laws and assists producers with the required reporting, collection and recycling or disposal of covered packaging materials.
“CAA praised Wagoner’s statewide leadership experience in an announcement Wednesday, saying she will oversee development and implementation of a program plan in California. This will involve collaborating with government stakeholders, producers and other industry partners ‘to achieve SB 54’s ambitious recycling and waste reduction goals.’”
Circular Action Alliance, which has emerged as the primary U.S. packaging producer responsibility organization, aims to increase PCR utilization with strategies including verification of responsible end markets, according to the organization’s technical advisor.
“Unfortunately, none of these laws have the exact same definition of producer or covered materials,” said Olivia Barker, Stakeholder Engagement and Communications Director at the Circular Action Alliance (CAA). “So, CAA has really been working to create as much clarity and get consistency where there is opportunity with the regulatory agencies.”
“Two years ago, extended producer responsibility for packaging was still an emerging concept in the United States. With at least five states now working toward implementing laws, a lot has changed.”
“Two years ago, extended producer responsibility for packaging was still an emerging concept in the United States. With at least five states now working toward implementing laws, a lot has changed.”
"In just two weeks, any substantially sized company that produces packaging sold within Colorado — from plastic to glass to wood — must be registered with a new industry-led organization that will soon begin charging fees to fund a statewide recycling system."
"Circular Action Alliance (CAA), a Washington-based nonprofit producer responsibility organization founded by 20 producers representing the food, beverage, consumer goods and retail industries to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging, has named Jeff Fielkow its CEO, effective Aug. 20."
Fielkow will become CAA’s first-ever CEO when he steps into the role on August 20. CAA is involved in building program plans in extended producer responsibility for packaging programs in Colorado, California and Oregon.
“ Shane Buckingham, CAA EPR program planning lead, told me that one of the big challenges, besides the lack of harmonization, is getting producers ready to jump into eco-modulation at the outset of the program. ”
“Shane Buckingham, Circular Action Alliance EPR program planning lead, told Resource Recycling that it’s ‘all about making sure that producers have the right information, that they are equipped to be able to participate in the program.’”
“Freeman will hit the ground running when he joins CAA as executive director on June 18. Colorado is in the process of implementing its extended producer responsibility program for packaging and paper products, and CAA is its producer responsibility organization tasked with building the program plan.”
“Schwarze called on producers to engage with the producer responsibility organization — which is already serving in California, Colorado and Oregon, and in an advisory role in Maryland — as soon as possible because it’s on producers to understand whether they count as an obligated producer in different states with these EPR laws.”
Newsletter
• Upcoming producer reporting deadlines and resources.
• Oregon's first annual report highlights early program impacts and investments.
• CAA participation at industry events and conferences.
• State implementation updates.
• Recycling access expands in Oregon communities.
And More!
“Producer responsibility organization (PRO) Circular Action Alliance (CAA) has announced that Conagra Brands and Georgia-Pacific (GP) have joined the organization as founding members.”