A policy analyst from EPR Group Consulting explains the producer fees and deadlines that are coming in each state. | martina_l/Shutterstock
The extended producer responsibility programs for packaging that are currently unfolding in several states impose two primary obligations on producers of covered materials: reporting data and paying fees to a producer responsibility organization.
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery on Oct. 14 opened a 15-day written comment period on permanent regulations for the state’s EPR program. | Susanne Pommer/Shutterstock
Producers, recyclers and the public have another chance to comment on California’s SB 54 extended producer responsibility for packaging permanent regulations.
Prices for curbside plastics bales saw varying trends for October, with PP and natural HDPE rising 33% and 11%, respectively, but PET and color HDPE saw modest declines. 
California lawmakers overhauled the state’s troubled carpet recycling program. | optimarc/Shutterstock
Carpet recovery and recycling in California will soon look a little different, after the signing of a new law that will change the recycling rate calculation and emphasize carpet-to-carpet content.
A natural disaster and a potentially catastrophic dockworker strike have highlighted weaknesses in the supply chain. | TajdidProtik/Shutterstock
Even as the U.S. Southeast continues to clean up after Hurricane Helene, the western coast of Florida is bracing for Milton, which is expected to be the second category 5 storm in less than two weeks to hit the area.
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An industry-crafted list of “problem” materials, California’s reusable plastic bag ban, progress on an Arizona processing plant and chemical recycling coverage were among our highest-read stories last month.
California’s extended producer responsibility for packaging law requires EPS food serviceware and packaging to demonstrate a recycling rate of no less than 25% by Jan. 1. | Justinboat.29/Shutterstock
Expanded polystyrene food serviceware producers have only a few months left to prove that the material has a recycling rate of at least 25% in California or face the prohibition of selling into the state.
The law covers a wide range of clothing but excludes carpet and mattresses, which are covered by other EPR programs in California. | Natali-Ximich/Shutterstock
California has become the first state to approve extended producer responsibility for textiles, after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation enacting the program.
The new How2Recycle Plus label will include a QR code to provide more detailed recycling acceptance information. | Dan Leif/Resource Recycling, Inc.
How2Recycle has announced new looks and capabilities for its labels, including the ability to scan a QR code and access The Recycling Partnership’s Recycle Check data.
Bloomberg’s latest Circular Economy Company Ranking reported on corporate sustainability pledges, finding a theme of costs outweighing target progress. | Aykut Erdogdu/Shutterstock
A new report from Bloomberg’s market research division provides further evidence of brand owners struggling to meet stated recycled content goals due to a lack of available material and cost pressure.