Circular Action Alliance submits initial EPR program plan in Oregon

Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the producer responsibility organization (PRO) approved to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging in California and Colorado, submitted its initial program plan to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on April 2.

The submission outlines how CAA intends to administer Oregon’s EPR program for packaging, paper products and food service ware, the Plastic Pollution Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).

In its initial program plan, CAA outlines an approach to implementing the RMA that builds on the existing system by upgrading facilities and improving public participation, understanding and equity throughout the state’s recycling system. With this approach, CAA is seeking to increase the diversion of recyclables from disposal and reduce the negative environmental, social and health impacts from the end-of-life management of products and packaging.           

“This is an important step forward in building a comprehensive EPR program in Oregon,” says Charlie Schwarze, CAA board chair and senior director of sustainability at Keurig Dr Pepper. “We are proud to submit our first plan, following many months of consultation with producers, local governments, services providers, nongovernmental organizations and DEQ. We look forward to continued collaboration with Oregon stakeholders as we prepare our final plan over the coming months.”

Last year, CAA says it demonstrated it has exceeded the 10 percent market share threshold for covered products required by the RMA to operate as a PRO in Oregon. As the single PRO to submit a program plan in Oregon, the organization says it is committed to supporting all obligated producers in funding recycling system improvements and ensuring their packaging is managed responsibly after use.

CAA says it will continue to engage with local governments, service providers, material recovery facilities and end markets to ensure the final program plan is based on the best available data and a shared vision for achieving the RMA’s goals.

CAA’s initial plan will undergo review and consultation with the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council and other stakeholder groups. DEQ will present feedback and requested revisions to the program plan by July 31, and CAA will submit an updated version in September. Oregon will be the first state to implement an EPR program for paper and packaging when the program is operational in July 2025.

CAA simultaneously is initiating a system optimization project that will build on an earlier survey commissioned by Oregon DEQ to understand local government requests for additional recycling infrastructure and expanded services. The engagement with local governments and service providers during this project will gather information about the current system to identify gaps and necessary investments and create a schedule for efficient investment through 2027.