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As sustainability regulations continue to reshape the U.S. business landscape, companies operating in Oregon face new obligations under a landmark environmental law. EPR compliance in Oregon is now a critical consideration for sellers and manufacturers who place packaging or printed paper products on the state’s market. The law, formally known as the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582), introduces a framework for extended producer responsibility (EPR) aimed at reducing packaging waste and improving recycling systems statewide.

Effective beginning in July 2025, Oregon’s EPR legislation mandates that producers take responsibility for the life cycle of the packaging and paper products they sell. This means that companies must contribute to the costs of collecting, sorting, and recycling materials that would otherwise burden local governments and consumers. The law applies to a broad range of products and packaging formats, particularly those made of plastic, paper, glass, and metal. Importantly, it includes packaging from food, beverage, cleaning, personal care, and other household goods.

The law targets producers, which are defined as entities that manufacture, import, or sell covered products under their own brand. Companies that exceed $5 million in annual U.S. revenue and sell into Oregon will be subject to these new requirements. Smaller businesses may be exempt, but all companies are encouraged to review the criteria, as the thresholds may change or expand in the future.

To meet compliance obligations, affected producers will be required to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). These nonprofit entities will administer the program by coordinating services such as recycling collection, public education, infrastructure upgrades, and data reporting. Producers will pay fees to the PROs based on the types and volumes of materials they introduce to the Oregon market. Fees will be adjusted to incentivize more sustainable packaging choices—materials that are easier to recycle or reuse will generally carry lower costs.

The transition timeline is already underway. In 2024, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) began laying the foundation by developing rules and preparing for program registration. In early 2025, producers will need to enroll with a PRO and begin submitting data on the packaging and printed paper materials they distribute. Full implementation, including fee collection and reporting, will commence in mid-2025. Businesses that fail to comply risk financial penalties and possible restrictions on product availability in Oregon.

Additionally, the law introduces new labeling and transparency requirements. Packaging must clearly communicate disposal instructions to consumers, and companies will need to track the recyclability of their materials. This emphasis on clear communication supports Oregon’s larger goal of creating a consistent, statewide recycling system that is easier for consumers to understand and participate in.

Oregon's EPR law is part of a growing movement in the U.S. to shift waste management responsibility upstream to the companies that generate packaging waste. Similar laws are already in place or under development in other states, including California, Colorado, and Maine. For manufacturers and sellers doing business nationwide, Oregon’s legislation is a sign of what’s to come—a new standard for environmental accountability in product packaging.

In summary, the road to EPR compliance in Oregon requires early action, detailed data collection, and strategic packaging decisions. Companies must assess their current materials, prepare to work with PROs, and align with the upcoming regulations to ensure they remain competitive and compliant. By doing so, businesses not only fulfill legal responsibilities but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability that resonates with today’s environmentally conscious consumers.