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 (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).   

• The next steps needed for producers to comply.

• CAA welcomes new team members and careers.

• Upcoming events.

• CalRecycle’s comment period.

• Colorado Consultation Process.

• CAA’s activities in Minnesota.

• And More!

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.”

• State compliance deadline alert.

• CAA welcomes new team members and careers

• Upcoming events.

• CAA's revised program plan in Oregon.

• State regulatory updates.

• And More!

“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."

• CAA announces Jeff Fielkow as CEO.

• The need for producers to register with CAA.

• CAA welcomes new team members and careers

• CalRecycle has begun a needs assessment process

• Stakeholders are encouraged to participate in upcoming consultation sessions that will inform CAA’s program plan.

• The public comment deadline for Maine DEP’s revised draft rules is August 26.

• And More!