The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act will update Oregon’s outdated recycling system by building on local community programs and leveraging the resources of producers to create an innovative system that works for everyone.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
DEQ kicks off third rulemaking process
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.
Plan amendment #2 under current review: Responsible end markets
CAA submitted a proposal to amend its program plan on Aug. 13. Public comment on the amended content closed on Oct. 15, 2025. Read the summary of public comments on CAA proposal. All comments received will be taken into consideration by DEQ in formulating its response to CAA, due on Dec. 11, 2025.
2023-2024 annual financial report: under current review
On Nov. 15, 2025, CAA resubmitted its financial report for the start-up phase of 2023-2024 with redactions removed. DEQ is reopening public comment on this report from Dec. 4, 2025 through Jan. 5, 2026 at 5 p.m. PT.
Read the summary of public comments received thus far. Additional comments can be submitted to rethinkrecycling@deq.oregon.gov.
2025 Q3 quarterly report: under current review
CAA submitted its Q3 Quarterly Report on Nov. 15, 2025. The report details CAA's progress in July-Sept 2025 with the system expansion funding process and with meeting the convenience standards for collection of the PRO Recycling Acceptance List.
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Learn about the Recycling Modernization Act