USA: more EPR for more states

Since 2021, five states in the USA – Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado and Minnesota – have passed packaging EPR legislation. Last month’s COMPASS covered developments in Oregon, Colorado and Minnesota. See article here.

The implementation of Maine’s packaging EPR regime is expected by 2027. A tentative producer registration deadline is set for May 2026. Implementing rules are yet to be issued.

The implementation of California’s 2022 Packaging EPR Act has stalled. Governor Newsom ordered a restart of the rulemaking process in March 2025 due to cost concerns, though implementation remains scheduled for 2027.

Efforts continue at state level: Maryland’s EPR Advisory Council has recommended aligning with Minnesota’s legal framework, adopting a single PRO model, and implementing over a 5-year period. A March 2025 Bill reflects these recommendations.

In early 2025, New York also reintroduced a packaging EPR bill, while Washington’s packaging EPR Bill passed the Senate in March 2025 and is scheduled for debate in the House committees.

At federal level, no packaging EPR legislation exists. Although past bills have failed, the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2023 plastics strategy supported EPR, but no national legislation has been introduced as of March 2025.

Stay up-to-speed with developments with Landbell Group’s Global EPR Information Services.

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