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Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act

The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act will update Oregon’s outdated recycling system by building on local community programs and leveraging the resources of producers to create an innovative system that works for everyone. The Oregon legislature passed the Recycling Modernization Act (Senate Bill 582) during the 2021 legislative session. The new law became effective Jan. 1, 2022 and recycling program changes will start in July 2025.

About the new law

This system-wide update will make recycling easier for the public to use, expand access to recycling services, upgrade the facilities that sort recyclables, and create environmental benefits while reducing social and environmental harms, such as plastic pollution. Producers and manufacturers of packaged items, paper products and food serviceware will pay for many of these necessary improvements and help ensure recycling is successful in Oregon.

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Archive of Program Plan Draft One documentation:

Learn about the Recycling Modernization Act

 


Visit DEQ's YouTube channel to learn more about the RMA and see videos en espanol.
 

Implementation

The start-up phase will span multiple years with extensive planning, research, rulemaking and engagement with interested parties. DEQ will keep people informed and seek input through several different channels throughout that time.

​View: Printable Recycling Modernization Act Informational Brochure

All Oregon cities and counties, regardless of size, will be eligible to receive funding from producer responsibility organizations for new expansion of on-route collection for residents and businesses, depot collection or both for covered recycling products under ORS 459A.890(5)​. Visit the ​Local Government Needs Assessment page.

Commingled Recycling Processing Facilities Technical Workgroup is meeting to evaluate data and provide information related to commingled recycling processing facilities, specifically related to fees and permit and certification programs. Learn more about the Commingled Recycling Processing Facilities​ workgroup.

RMA implementation includes two rulemaking processes.

​Producer responsibility organizations are required to provide funding or reimbursement to local governments or their service providers for aspects of the local recycling system under ORS 459A.890. ​Learn more about opportunities for Local Government Compensation​. 

For more information about local governments' eligibility to receive funding for expanding recycling collection services and the needs assessment survey, visit DEQ's web page Local Government Recycling Collection Expansion Needs Assessment​

The Recycling Council meets every other month to advise DEQ and the Producer Responsibility Organizations on key recycling system elements. Content from previous meetings and details on future meetings can be found on the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council web page.​​

Resources and information from past activities

​​​Program plan materials
Specifically identified materials
Prospective PRO Contacts

The below organizations have indicated their intention, via letters of intent linked to below, to submit program plans for Oregon Recycling Modernization Act. Updated letters of intent will be posted here when/if received from prospective PROs.​

DEQ Contact

For more information email RethinkRecycling@deq.oregon.gov.

For media inquiries:
Jennifer Flynt
Public Affairs Specialist
Office: 503-229-6585, Cell: 503-730-5924

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