Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act

The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act will update Oregon’s outdated recycling system by building on local community programs and leveraging the resources of producers to create an innovative system that works for everyone. The Oregon legislature passed the Recycling Modernization Act (Senate Bill 582) during the 2021 legislative session. It was signed by Governor Brown on Aug. 6, 2021. The new law becomes effective Jan. 1, 2022 and recycling program changes will start in July 2025.

About the new law

The Recycling Modernization Act is a significant overhaul of state policy that will modernize Oregon's recycling system. This system-wide update will make recycling easier for the public to use, expand access to recycling services, upgrade the facilities that sort recyclables, and create environmental benefits while reducing social and environmental harms, such as plastic pollution. Producers and manufacturers of packaging, paper products and food serviceware will pay for many of these necessary improvements and help ensure recycling is successful in Oregon.

Program materials - updated Nov. 3, 2021

• Fact sheet  |  Hoja informativa
  
• Implementation Timeline | Cronograma de implementación
  
• Overview of the New Law and Implementation - 15 minute presentation
  
• DEQ Podcast - Recycling Transformation in Oregon
  
• Local Government Responsibilities and Benefits
  
• Senate Bill 582 - Full text of bill
• Summary By Topic - Provided by the Sustainable Packaging Coalition
  
• Section-by-Section Summary  
• Frequently Asked Questions  |  Preguntas Frecuentes
• Summary of PRO Financial Obligations

Public involvement and input

The start-up phase will span multiple years with extensive planning, research, rulemaking and stakeholder engagement. DEQ will keep interested stakeholders informed and seek input through several different channels throughout that time.

• More details about engagement opportunities
• Oportunidades de participación para individuos interesados.
  
• Stakeholder Interest Form – Complete this form if you are interested in being considered for participation in rules advisory committees or other advisory groups.
  

News 

• DEQ gives update at Association of Plastics Recyclers conference, Plastics Recycling Update, Nov. 3, 2021
  
• After China's Recyclable Ban, Municipalities Shift Gears, Governing.com, August 27, 2021
• Oregon's recycling system is getting an update. Packaging makers will help pay for it, Oregon Public Broadcasting, Aug. 14, 2021
• Oregon adopts groundbreaking Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, DEQ news release, Aug. 10, 2021
• Oregon governor signs packaging EPR bill, Resource Recycling, Aug. 10, 2021
• Maine Will Make Companies Pay for Recycling. Here's How It Works, New York Times, July 21, 2021

Recycling Steering Committee

From 2018 to 2020, DEQ and other partners responsible for Oregon's recycling system collaborated through the Recycling Steering Committee to recommend changes to modernize Oregon recycling programs. Visit the RSC Resources page to learn more about the process and read meeting materials and reports.