Oregon's Department of Environmental Quality has approved the program plan from Circular Action Alliance as part of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. The plan, starting on July 1, will improve the state's recycling system by funding local recycling services, creating collection points for hard-to-recycle materials, and providing public education on recycling changes. It also includes financial incentives to reduce the environmental impact of paper, packaging, and food serviceware. Circular Action Alliance will fund the system through fees collected from producer members based on their sales in Oregon. Scott Keller, Chair of the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council, said, "DEQ’s approval of this plan is a significant step towards better recycling in Oregon,” according to the Department of Environmental Quality.
The approval process involved public input and expert review. The initial draft was submitted by Circular Action Alliance in March 2024, with revisions in September and a final draft in December. The final version included feedback from the public and guidance from the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council and Department of Environmental Quality experts. Nicole Portley, Department of Environmental Quality Materials Management PRO program plan lead, stated, "By approving this plan, DEQ endorses the new PRO, Circular Action Alliance. We worked closely with CAA during the development of the program plan and we look forward to continuing to work with them and all the program partners to ensure the requirements of the Recycling Modernization Act are met as we build Oregon’s new recycling system together."
Oregon will launch the first approved extended producer responsibility program for packaging in the U.S., with recycling improvements for residents and businesses starting after funding begins next summer. The plan will update recycling facility operations and end-market destinations, with community-specific changes to recycling services and drop-off locations introduced gradually. The Circular Action Alliance will manage the program, as it does in other states with similar laws, including California, Colorado, Maryland, and Minnesota. More details are available on the Department of Environmental Quality website.
