The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act will update Oregon’s outdated recycling system by building on local community programs and leveraging the resources of producers to create an innovative system that works for everyone.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
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 packaged items, paper products and food serviceware will pay for many of these necessary improvements and help ensure recycling is successful in Oregon.
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Related pages for more information
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.
Outreach to local governments and service providers
Local government officials, service providers, and wasteshed representatives are invited to attend one of our informational presentations about the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. The presentation will cover how the act will impact local communities, creates expanded producer responsibility, and explains opportunities for expanding recycling services in your jurisdictions. There will be an opportunity for questions and presenters will provide additional resources for information as well as contact information for DEQ’s Regional Specialists. We hope you are able to join us.
Register in advance using the link for the appropriate meeting(s) below. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. All meeting times are Pacific Time.
Recycling Council
Recycling Council meeting schedule
The Recycling Council meets on the third Thursday every other month from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. The council will meet on Oct. 20 and Dec. 15 to finish out 2022.
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.