Recycling Modernization Act Updates 2026

Proposed rule

Rulemaking contact: Stephanie Caldera, 971-279-9517; RMARulemaking3@deq.oregon.gov

This proposed rulemaking will improve clarity, make identified corrections and provide increased consistency across the rules implementing to the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (2021). The modernization of Oregon's recycling system has begun and some items from the previous two rulemakings require updates or clarifications to ensure consistent and successful implementation and operation of Oregon's recycling system.

Timeline: September 2025 to early 2027 (proposed EQC action in January or February 2027)

Advisory committee

DEQ has appointed an advisory committee for this rulemaking. The 11-member committee is scheduled to meet five times between November 2025 and August 2026 to provide input to DEQ on the development of draft rules. Meeting dates, agendas and supporting materials will be posted to this page as they are available.

Meeting 5: July 20

Agenda
Topic Paper: “Effectively Composted" Definition and Implementation
Topic Paper: Amendments to Convenience Standards
Topic Paper: Transportation Cost Reimbursement
Topic paper: Multi-family and multi-tenant service elements
Topic paper: Fiscal and Racial Impact Statements
Draft Fiscal and Economic Impact Statement
Draft Racial Equity Impact Statement

Meeting 4: May 27, 2026

Meeting 3: March 30, 2026

Agenda
Rule Concept: Clarifications to the Responsible End Market Rules
Topic Paper: Exemptions from “Covered Product”
Topic paper: Amendments to Program Calendar Rule OAR 340-090-0720
Background paper: Transportation Cost Reimbursement, Reload Facilities and Depots
Topic paper: “Effectively Composted” Definition and Implementation
Topic Paper: Clarifications to the Life Cycle Evaluation Rules

Meeting 2: Jan. 27, 2026

Meeting 1: Nov. 13, 2025

Some items discussed by the Rulemaking Advisory Committee will be informed by technical workgroups. DEQ has convened two technical workgroups.

Glass collection technical workgroup

Glass collection technical workgroup charter

Meeting 1: April 15, 2026

Meeting 2: April 28, 2026, 2-5 p.m.
Attend via Teams

Effectively composted technical workgroup

Effectively composted technical workgroup charter

Meeting 1: Jan. 26, 2026

Meeting 2: Feb. 17, 2026

Visit the Recycling Materials Acceptance List web page, including technical workgroup information and meeting materials.

Public hearings

DEQ will hold two public hearings. Anyone can attend a hearing by webinar or teleconference. Pre-registration is not required.

Hearing 1, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, 10 a.m.

Join via Zoom
Join by phone: 877-853-5257, toll-free
Meeting ID: 880 8253 8483

View full instructions on how to join the hearing.

Hearing 2, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, 6 p.m.

Join via Zoom
Join by phone: 833-548-0276, toll-free

Meeting ID: 846 4005 3190

View full instructions on how to join the hearing.

Listening sessions

These sessions were open to any person interested in the modernization of Oregon's recycling system and the upcoming rulemaking. Please note this was not a formal public comment opportunity.

Session 1, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025

These sessions were open to any person interested in the modernization of Oregon's recycling system and the upcoming rulemaking. Please note this was not a formal public comment opportunity.

Session 2, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025

Public comment

DEQ invites the public to comment on the proposed rules. The comment period closes at 4 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2026.

Submit comments

View the following documents for more information:

Questions? Please contact RMARulemaking3@deq.oregon.gov for more information.

EQC action

DEQ plans on presenting the proposed rules to the Environmental Quality Commission for proposed rule adoption in January or February 2027.