Hi Everyone,
We’re a month into 2026, and legislative sessions are in full swing. New Jersey just passed a bill restricting single-use plastic items, California has opened another round of public comment on SB 54, and other states are debating the right to repair, deposit systems and EPR legislation. Stay tuned to Policy Now for monthly updates on what’s happening across the country.
As always, reach out if there’s something you’d like us to explore further.
Sincerely,
Stefanie Valentic, Editor, Policy Now
Policy in progress
California
CalRecycle has published another draft of proposed regulations for implementing California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, otherwise known as SB 54. Public comment is open through Feb. 13. Read more here.
Massachusetts
A new draft of the state’s right to repair legislation, HB433, was submitted Jan. 28.
Washington
HB1607, which would establish a refund program for recycling, specifically targeting beverage containers, was referred to Rules 2 Review.
HB1420, Washington’s textile EPR bill, had a public hearing on Jan. 15 and continues to move through the House.
Illinois
HB4652, filed on Jan. 28, creates the state’s Electronic Device Stewardship Act and requires a producer that sells an electronic smoking device to implement and finance an electronic smoking device stewardship program.
New Jersey
HB A3553 was introduced and referred to the Environment and Solid Waste Committee. The bill exempts certain plastic materials processed at advanced plastic processing facilities from state laws regulating solid waste disposal and recycling.
HB A3744 also known as the Packaging and Paper Product Stewardship Act, was introduced January 13 and referred to the Environment and Solid Waste Committee.
New York
SB420, moving through committee, is in regards to false recycling claims and plastic container labeling “unless it can be collected, separated or otherwise recovered from the waste stream through an established recycling program for reuse.”
Maine
LC1908, which would require OEMs to facilitate repair capabilities of electronic devices, received a divided vote.
Virginia
HB1251 brings right to repair to the state.
____________________________________________
E-scrap sector update
US-EU trade rift adds risk now for ITAD and e-scrap trade
The suspension of trade talks between the United States and the European Union in January has added a new layer of uncertainty to the electronics world. Read more here
Battery EPR with Cirba Solutions
An outlook on battery EPR with Cirba Solutions Read more here
_______________________________________
Other legislative news (include in PoNo email)
New Jersey passes bill on single-use service items
Colorado expands repair rights as electronics rules take effect
