Material Impact Reduction and Reuse Program for packaging, printed paper, and food serviceware
Obligated producers under the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act will help pay for many necessary improvements to the Oregon recycling system, including a new program to reduce environmental impacts of covered products (packaging, printing and writing paper, and food serviceware) through activities other than waste recovery.
Under ORS 459A.941 (Section 32 of the Recycling Modernization Act):
- The Environmental Quality Commission shall establish a fee to be paid by producer responsibility organizations to support programs established under this section.
- DEQ may enter into agreements with public entities and may provide grants or loans to reduce the environmental impact of covered products.
- In providing these grants or loans, DEQ must consider criteria that include, but are not limited to environmental benefits, human health benefits, social and economic benefits, cost-effectiveness of the program, and the needs of economically distressed or underserved communities.
Entities that may be eligible for a grant or loan include, but are not limited to:
- Public bodies,
- Tribal governments,
- Nonprofit organizations, and
- Private organizations if the department determines that the funds would be used for the public benefit.
We want to hear from you!
DEQ is currently planning this work and seeking feedback and insight on potential projects that could be funded by this fee. Funding will first become available in 2026.
DEQ hosted a listening session on May 25, 2023 to gather feedback and insight on potential projects for the MIRROR Program.
DEQ is currently projecting that proposed rules associated with the Material Impact Reduction and Reuse Program will be considered by the EQC in mid to late 2024. That rulemaking is supported by a Rulemaking Advisory Committee and provides additional opportunities for public involvement during all meetings of the Committee and again once rules are drafted.
For more informationIf you have any ideas for consideration or interest in this project, we would appreciate hearing from you! Please contact DEQ's project manager Blaine Mershon.
For more information and to stay current with important updates, sign up for text or email updates via GovDelivery.