Marissa Heffernan

Headcount varies widely across the seven states implementing extended producer responsibility programs, with some facing budget limitations. California, Colorado, Minnesota and Washington share their latest plans.

Against a backdrop of rising imports, pricing competition and tariff confusion, an unprecedented number of domestic PET reclaimers closed last year. In 2026, expect more emphasis on policy solutions and local supply chains.

The bill, if signed by the governor, would establish a producer responsibility program for certain batteries and products by 2029. It had backing from many of the state’s major haulers and recyclers due to fire safety concerns.

Given recent shifts in recycling markets, the Northeast Recycling Council hopes the PCR Material Demand Hub will help organizations with purchasing, explained Executive Director Megan Schulz-Fontes.

About a dozen demonstrate outside Longview School District office, but hundreds join board meeting to slam directors' support of superintendent in MM case

The Agency of Natural Resources is running the program with a 10% surcharge after no producer group stepped up. Regulators hope this can alleviate high collection costs for an especially toxic waste stream.

Many companies may still be behind on a May 31 deadline, while others can shift some focus to optimizing packaging. Eunomia, Pure Strategies, EY and Washburn Consulting weigh in.

On June 15, Circular Action Alliance California submitted its packaging EPR draft program plan to the advisory board, making it public at the same time.

This month was all about lawsuits, with the NAW trial against Oregon’s packaging EPR program and action in several California cases.

Federal recycling legislation is notoriously hard to pass through both chambers, but that doesn’t stop lawmakers from trying.