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.

• Registration and reporting deadline details for producers.

• New CAA staff members.

• State implementation updates.

• Upcoming events.

• And More!

Geoffrey Inch, SVP of Producer Services at Circular Action Alliance, discusses the tools and resources CAA offers to ensure producers can register and report successfully before the March 31, 2025, deadline in Oregon.

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.

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.

A newly released assessment, along with a recommendation report from a stakeholder group, could both help shape EPR for packaging legislation this year.

Kim Holmes, Oregon Executive Director at Circular Action Alliance discusses the implementation of Oregon's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, and the importance of compliance for producers by March 31, 2025. The post highlights the benefits of registration, the consequences of non-compliance, and provides steps and resources for producers to meet their obligations.

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.

• Registration and reporting deadline details for producers.

• New CAA staff members.

• State implementation updates.

• Upcoming events.

• And More!

• Registration and reporting deadline details for producers.

• New Founding Members.

• State implementation updates.

• Upcoming conferences.

• 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.”

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. 

“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.’”