Circular Action Alliance Delivers First Extended Producer Responsibility Program Plan in Oregon
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 2, 2024
Contact: media@circularaction.org
Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) approved to implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging in California and Colorado, has submitted its initial program plan to the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). CAA’s first submission outlines how the organization intends to administer Oregon’s EPR program for packaging, paper products and food serviceware, the Plastic Pollution Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).
“This is an important step forward in building a comprehensive EPR program in Oregon,” said Charlie Schwarze, CAA Board Chair and Senior Director of Sustainability at Keurig Dr Pepper. “We are proud to submit our first plan, following many months of consultation with producers, local governments, services providers, nongovernmental organizations and DEQ. We look forward to continued collaboration with Oregon stakeholders as we prepare our final plan over the coming months.”
In its initial program plan, CAA has outlined an approach to implementing the RMA that builds on the existing system by upgrading facilities and improving public participation, understanding, and equity throughout the state’s recycling system. Through this approach, CAA is seeking to increase the diversion of recyclable materials from disposal and reduce the negative environmental, social, and health impacts from the end-of-life management of products and packaging.
Last year, CAA demonstrated that it has exceeded the 10% market share threshold for covered products required by the RMA to operate as a PRO in Oregon. As the single PRO to submit a program plan in Oregon, CAA is committed to supporting all obligated producers in funding recycling system improvements and ensuring their packaging is managed responsibly after use.
CAA will also continue to engage with local governments, service providers, materials recovery facilities, and end markets to ensure the final program plan is based on the best available data and a shared vision for achieving the goals of the RMA.
CAA’s initial plan will now undergo review and consultation with the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council and other stakeholder groups. DEQ will present feedback and requested revisions to the program plan by July 31, 2024, and CAA will submit an updated version in September. Oregon will be the first state to implement an EPR program for paper and packaging when the program is operational in July 2025.
CAA is simultaneously initiating a System Optimization Project that will build on an earlier survey commissioned by Oregon DEQ to understand local government requests for additional recycling infrastructure and expanded services. The engagement with local governments and service providers during the System Optimization Project will gather information about the current system to identify gaps and necessary investments and create a schedule for efficient investment through 2027.
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About Circular Action Alliance
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) dedicated to implementing effective Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging across the United States and is approved as the single PRO in California and Colorado. The organization is led by 20 companies from the food, beverage, consumer goods, and retail industries that are united in their commitment to deliver harmonized best-in-class compliance services to all producers, scale innovation, and build systems that help both companies and consumers waste less and recycle more