Oregon Adopts Amendment to Its EPR Packaging Program

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently approved an amendment to its recycling plan, with the changes intended to enhance responsible end markets (REM) for materials entering its extended producer responsibility (EPR) program.

The amendment strengthens the verification of how recyclable materials collected in Oregon are managed responsibly under the state’s Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), according to a news release from the Circular Action Alliance (CAA). CAA is the producer responsibility organization (PRO) for Oregon’s EPR program and had recommended the amendment.

“The amendment creates a clearer starting point for launching a new verification framework for end markets and downstream facilities, increasing transparency and accountability across the recycling value chain,” CAA says. “DEQ’s decision follows more than two years of technical work and consultation among DEQ, CAA, the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council (ORSAC), local governments, service providers, and end market operators.”

Cheryl Grabham, product stewardship program manager at Oregon DEQ, says the milestone reflects months of engagement with many interested parties.

“Oregonians expect recycling to be handled safely and responsibly from collection to final processing,” adds Kim Holmes, executive director of CAA in Oregon. “This updated REM approach provides a practical path for end markets to demonstrate compliance, reduces duplicative paperwork where credible certifications already exist, and helps keep materials moving to responsible destinations.” 

The details

According to CAA, the approved REM amendment strengthens end-market verification within Oregon’s paper and packaging EPR program in several ways:

• It sets a practical path to compliance. It defines how end markets and downstream facilities can demonstrate compliance with statutory REM requirements, enabling the system to move from planning to implementation.
• It leverages credible, existing, third-party certifications. It aligns with established certification and verification programs so qualifying facilities can receive partial credit toward REM verification—reducing duplication while maintaining environmental safeguards.
• It protects environmental outcomes while keeping markets viable. It reflects DEQ direction and input from interested parties to create a durable framework that supports responsible recycling, market functionality, and an EPR program that meets the state’s requirements.

The updated program plan, including the approved REM amendment, can be found online.

What’s next

CAA Oregon will provide implementation guidance to participating end markets and service providers, including timelines and documentation expectations, and begin verification audits as the EPR program moves toward full operational readiness under the RMA.

At a national level, CAA will build on DEQ’s approval of the REM program plan amendment. CAA is advancing work on a draft Responsible Markets Certification Standard designed to support consistent verification of REM requirements under existing and emerging EPR laws.

Earlier this spring, CAA opened a public comment period on the draft REM Standard, inviting comments from regulators, local governments, service providers, end markets, producers, and other interest holders.

“Feedback received will help refine the standard to ensure it is clear, practical, and effective, while improving transparency and confidence in how recyclable materials are managed downstream,” CAA says.

The public comment period runs through July 7.