The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act will update Oregon’s outdated recycling system by building on local community programs and leveraging the resources of producers to create an innovative system that works for everyone.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. The new law became 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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Approved Producer Responsibility Organization Plan
Program updates
2026 Q2 Quarterly Report
CAA submitted its Q2 2026 Quarterly Report on Aug.15, 2026. The report details CAA's progress from April to June 2026 with the system expansion funding process and meeting the convenience standards for collection of the PRO Recycling Acceptance List.
Third RMA rulemaking process underway
DEQ is developing rule amendments and updates to improve clarity, make identified corrections and provide increased consistency across the rules implementing to the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (2021). The final proposed rules will be presented to the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission in early 2027. More information on the process, advisory committee and public engagement opportunities is available on the
Recycling 2026 rulemaking web page.
DEQ approves second program plan amendment on responsible end markets
On May 4, 2026, following public comment and feedback from the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council, DEQ approved an amendment to CAA's program plan related to verification of responsible end markets. Full documentation of the amendment process is located in the Archive of Program Plan Documentation dropdown menu further down on this page.
Learn about the Recycling Modernization Act