Projects

As a result of the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, new changes are coming to the recycling system that will take effect on July 1, 2025. There is a large amount of foundational work to be completed before that date – including several studies, administrative rulemakings, pilot testing, creation of new permitting and certification programs, and more.

Administrative rulemaking is a key process that will take place over the next few years, and it will consist of two processes.

Rulemaking period #1 is scheduled to occur now through the mid-2023, with draft rules brought to the Environmental Quality Commission for consideration in the third quarter of 2023. It will address:

Producer Responsibility Organization requirements
Local government compensation
Recycling material lists

Rulemaking period #2 is scheduled to occur between late 2022 through mid-2024, with draft rules brought before EQC in the third quarter of 2024. It will address:

MRF permits and certifications
The contamination management and processor commodity risk fees
Generator-facing contamination reduction
Life cycle evaluation

As part of the implementation process, DEQ and its partners must also complete a series of comprehensive projects that will help inform rulemaking and other new or improved recycling system programs. These projects will involve significant staff and partner engagement. Some of these projects span over a multi-year period. These projects include:

2022-2024 projects

Truth in Labeling Task Force. Final report and recommendations
Material lists – Research and public feedback related to establishment of uniform statewide collection list and other recycling lists
Processor fee studies – Research to inform establishment of fees that recycling processors will receive from PROs
Local government compensation — Developing rules for PROs to compensate local governments for implementing aspect of the recycling system
Customer-Facing Contamination Reduction – Research effectiveness of interventions designed to reduce contamination in recycling
Local government recycling collection expansion needs assessment — Determining if local governments will plan or need to expand for collection of covered recycling on-route, at depot or both (due by July 1, 2023)
Equity study (due by Sept. 15, 2024)
Multifamily recycling needs assessment
Procurement assessment (joint study with Department of Administrative Services due by May 15, 2024)

Projects happening in 2024 or later

Litter and marine debris cleanup and prevention needs assessment (due by Sept. 15, 2026)
Compostability study (due by Dec. 15, 2026)