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Tag Archives: EPR/stewardship

RecycleOn Oregon opens first drop-off hard-to-recycle site

Published: October 22, 2025
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The RecycleOn Oregon center opened this month in Ashland, the first of 140 planned for the state, in line with the state’s EPR law mandates. | Courtesy RecycleOn

Hard-to-recycle materials may soon find a new use in Oregon thanks to a first-of-its-kind recycling center now open there.

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Producers receive first bills under UK packaging EPR

Published: October 22, 2025
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PackUK has begun issuing the first EPR invoices to packaging producers, outlining payment rules, penalties and next steps toward modulated recyclability fees. |
Tartezy / Shutterstock

  • Fee modulation is based on reported 2024 data
  • Base fees expected to raise nearly $2 million in 2025
  • Industry raises concerns about transparency, fee pass-through

The administrator for the UK’s extended producer responsibility program for packaging has issued its first invoices to packaging producers, marking the start of a major shift in how household packaging waste is funded.

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EPR rules take shape in Oregon, as first test

Published: October 22, 2025
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At PPRC in Chicago, industry experts warned that complex rules and demands will take years to refine as Oregon sets an early model. | Bob Pool / Shutterstock

At the Paper and Plastics Recycling Conference in Chicago, industry leaders said extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs for packaging are changing how the US handles residential recycling, but warned that uneven state rules will slow the transition.

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FFP barriers continue to restrict recycling systems

Published: October 15, 2025
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Production of film and flexible packaging is growing while recycling rates remain low. | K M Hargreaves / Shutterstock

While film and flexible packaging represent about 34% of the total US plastic packaging industry by weight, abysmal recycling rates are requiring adjustments across the entire system. Continue Reading

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Colorado EPR development advances to next phase

Published: October 15, 2025
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The Circular Action Alliance and Colorado are gearing up to implement the state’s new EPR law. | Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Editors note: Join us at the 2026 Resource Recycling Conference where we’ll dive deeper into EPR compliance and policy.

The group overseeing Colorado’s upcoming recycling system overhaul is moving forward with new plans to boost participation statewide. Continue Reading

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Colorado approval signals path forward for PRO choice

Published: October 8, 2025
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The Lubricants Packaging Management Association became the first independent producer responsibility organization to gain approval in a state EPR program. | Air Images / Shutterstock

Although a designated producer responsibility organization (PRO) receives much of the attention for any state’s emerging extended producer responsibility (EPR) plan for packaging, independent PROs quietly address more specialized needs. Continue Reading

APR launches recyclability assessment platform

Published: October 1, 2025
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APR has unveiled a digital platform that evaluates whole plastic packages for recyclability and helps brands prepare for EPR and labeling rules. | Courtesy APR

The Association of Plastic Recyclers will launch a new digital platform to help brands and packaging suppliers evaluate the recyclability of entire plastic packages and prepare for policy requirements in the US and abroad. Continue Reading

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Clean Harbors hits 2030 recycling goal early

Published: September 24, 2025
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Clean Harbors’ 2025 supplement shows 1.9 million metric tons recycled in 2024, a 31% gain since 2019, plus PFAS destruction capability and record financials. | Zimmytws / Shutterstock

Clean Harbors published its 2025 Sustainability Supplement and reported that recycling volumes reached 1.9 million metric tons in 2024, clearing a 2030 target years ahead of schedule. Continue Reading

Stewardship exec: Key to EPR success is to watch, wait

Published: September 3, 2025
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Reverse-vending-machine-aleks333-Shutterstock

Reverse vending machines are one component of some deposit return systems | Aleks333/Shutterstock

Takeaways in two minutes (or less)

  • Watch, wait and learn from the “starter seven”
  • Focus first on expanding bottle deposit systems
  • Highlight economic impact to gain bipartisan support
  • Kentucky, Tennessee, Carolinas primed for action
  • Learn from the Canadian experience

 

In an active year for legislation aimed at reducing plastic pollution and waste, recycling stakeholders have a bevy of lessons to draw from, even with bills that have come under attack or didn’t quite pass. Continue Reading