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
Based in Vermont, Casella Waste Systems said efficiency improvements, customer partnerships and investment in infrastructure remain central to reaching its 2030 targets | Nordroden / Shutterstock
Casella Waste Systems emphasized both progress and challenges in its 2025 sustainability report, pointing to growth in recycling and community engagement. Continue Reading
The draft regulations have seen several iterations, drawing criticism from industry stakeholders. | Rarrarorro/Shutterstock
California’s Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) has opened the public comment period for its latest draft of regulations for the state’s extended producer responsibility law for packaging, which have drawn criticism from industry stakeholders.
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Reverse vending machines are one component of some deposit return systems | Aleks333/Shutterstock
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
The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors says the state’s newly active packaging EPR law is unfair and ineffective. | JPL Designs/Shutterstock
Editor’s Note: EPR compliance will be featured in sessions at the 2026 Resource Recycling Conference, Feb. 23-25 in San Diego, California. Continue Reading
The plan includes additional information on how currently non-recyclable packaging will be brought into the program by 2030. | Natallia-Boroda/Shutterstock
Circular Action Alliance has submitted an amended program plan for meeting Colorado’s extended producer responsibility regulations for packaging. Public comment will open later this summer. Continue Reading
Producer responsibility organization Circular Action Alliance plans to build a network of 144 PRO Recycling Centers, pictured, for hard-to-recycle items. | Photo Courtesy of Circular Action Alliance
Extended producer responsibility for packaging in Oregon is officially implemented, with the first dollars from producer fees flowing out to the communities most in need as of July 1.
During an investor presentation, WM leaders outlined investments in recycling and automation. | 2p2play/Shutterstock
Leaders at hauling giant WM discussed expansions in the company’s recycling infrastructure and automation at a recent investor day, expressing optimism for WM’s future as landfill closures increase demand for collection and recycling. Continue Reading
Coloradans are working to implement a series of recycling-related policies, which sometimes support and sometimes oppose each other. | Gargonia/Shutterstock
When it comes to recycling, most policy is set at the state level — but not all of it. When city ordinances, state law and a governor’s priorities all interact, it can be a recipe for both significant change and serious complexity.
With Ontario two years into its 2023-2025 transition to a producer responsibility model for paper and packaging recycling, stakeholders have asked for more time and lower costs. | Maxim Studio/Shutterstock
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is looking to make adjustments to its signature law for extended producer responsibility in packaging, in response to producer feedback about costs and other program concerns. Continue Reading