The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act will update Oregon’s outdated recycling system by building on local community programs and leveraging the resources of producers to create an innovative system that works for everyone.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
Public comment period now open for third program plan amendment
Circular Action Alliance submitted a third program plan amendment containing a variety of proposed changes, including:
- Changing a key metric from diversion rate to pounds of USCL material collected per household;
- Updating approach to locating collection events;
- Adding statement allowing CAA to update fees for glass packaging if regulations change;
- Updating sections relating to Specifically-Identified Materials to reflect changes in the list; and
- Changing covered material categories.
DEQ conducts a review process for program plan amendments that includes a public comment period and review by the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council. DEQ will approve, approved with conditions, or reject the amendment following the process laid out in statute at ORS 459A.881.
View the cover letter, which outlines proposed changes and the proposed amended plan document.
To submit public comments: Please send comments to RethinkRecycling@deq.oregon.gov by 5:00 p.m. PT on Oct. 19, 2026
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.
2026 Q1 Quarterly Report
CAA submitted its Q1 2026 Quarterly Report on May 15, 2026. The report details CAA's progress from January to March 2026 with the system expansion funding process and meeting the convenience standards for collection of the PRO Recycling Acceptance List.
Learn about the Recycling Modernization Act