The Oregon Legislature passed the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (Senate Bill 582) during the 2021 Legislative Session. The Recycling Modernization Act will overhaul Oregon’s outdated recycling system by building on local community programs and leveraging the resources of producers to create an innovative system that works for everyone in Oregon. DEQ is working on an implementation plan and will share more information soon.
Senate Bill 582
The Recycling Modernization Act is a significant overhaul of state policy that will modernize Oregon's recycling system. This system-wide update will create programs that are more resilient to change, optimize environmental benefits and restore public trust. These changes 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.
Updated materials
News and updates
Recycling Steering Committee
From 2018 to 2020, DEQ and other partners responsible for Oregon’s recycling system collaborated through the Recycling Steering Committee to identify what a future recycling system should look like and recommend changes to achieve that future system. Visit the RSC Resources page to learn more about the process and read meeting materials and reports.