January 2026
Programs & News – Oregon & Washington
FOR THE RECYCLING REFORM ACT DUE JAN. 31
Under Washington’s Recycling Reform Act (EPR for Packaging & Paper Products), service providers that want to seek reimbursement in 2030 must submit an annual registration to the Department of Ecology by January 31, 2026. The registration portal is now live on Ecology’s website. Organizations that manage residential packaging and paper products for the purposes of recycling, composting, or reuse and want to be reimbursed for their costs should register as a service provider. That may include the following types of organizations:
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Local governments, Tribes, and public agencies that provide residential recycling services directly, contract for recycling services, or arrange for recycling services.
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Private and non-profit residential recycling collection companies and recycling facilities.
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Organizations that provide reuse or refill infrastructure.
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Organizations that provide other services related to waste reduction, reuse, recycling, or composting of covered materials, or disposal of contamination or residuals.
Please reach out to RecyclingReform@ecy.wa.gov if you are unsure if your organization should register as a service provider. The first Recycling Reform Act Advisory Council meeting is scheduled for February 5th from 10 am - 12 pm. The meetings are public – register here if you would like to attend.
JULIE GILBERTSON IS CIRCULAR ACTION ALLIANCE’S PROGRAM MANAGER FOR WASHINGTON
CAA will register with Department of Ecology to be the selected PRO for the Recycling Reform Act by March 1, 2026 on behalf of all producers who complete their registration with CAA by Feb. 15, 2026. Julie Gilbertson, a former Solid Waste Supervisor at the City of Vancouver (WA), is CAA’s newly appointed Program Manager for Washington.
E-CYCLE WASHINGTON SEEKS LOCAL GOVERNMENT FEEDBACK
E‑Cycle Washington is marking its 17th year of operation and is seeking input from local governments on how the program is working at the county and city level. Washington State Department of Ecology and the Materials Management & Financing Authority have opened the annual Local Government/Community Satisfaction Survey to gather feedback and identify opportunities for improvement. Local government partners are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives by completing the survey by March 1. Responses will be shared with the Materials Management & Financing Authority to help inform future program enhancements.
MRM APPROVED AS SOLE PRO FOR 2026 OREGON E-CYCLES PROGRAM
On December 30, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) conditionally approved the 2026 program plan submitted by Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Co. (MRM) under the state’s E-Cycles law. A competing plan from Dynamic Lifecycle Innovations was rejected. With only one Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) approved, MRM will assume full program responsibilities for 2026, and no coordinating body will be designated this year. Plans for the 2027 program year are due July 1, 2026. Oregon’s updated E-Cycles law, passed in 2023, expands the list of covered electronics, increases program stability, and redistributes oversight between DEQ and manufacturer-appointed PROs. More details: Oregon E-Cycles Program
NO STEWARDSHIP ORGANIZATION FOR LIGHTRECYCLE WASHINGTON – ECOLOGY WORKING TO ENSURE THE PROGRAM CONTINUES
Effective January 1, 2026, PCA Product Stewardship, Inc. is no longer administering the LightRecycle Washington program. PCA has operated the LightRecycle Washington program for ten years. They officially notified Ecology on September 30, 2025 that they would cease administration of the program. The program’s uncertain financial future was cited as the primary reason for PCA’s decision.
LightRecycle is funded by an environmental handling charge (EHC) applied to each retail sale of a mercury-containing light. With the dramatic decline in the sale of those lights, the program’s funding is unsustainable. Further, revenue from the EHC will stop when the complete sales ban for these lights goes into effect in 2029. PCA’s financial analysis predicts the EHC revenue will no longer be sufficient to support the program in early 2026.
The law requires producers to fully fund the program beginning in January 2029. It also requires producers, through the product stewardship organization, to make up any funding gap should the EHC be insufficient (RCW 70A.505.030). But with PCA’s exit, there needs to be a new stewardship organization to operate the program and collect funds from producers.
Ecology has been working hard to identify a new stewardship organization so producers could remain in compliance and informing producers of their obligations under the law. Mercury lights producers may be out of compliance with the law beginning January 2026 if a new stewardship organization is not identified, and they may face enforcement action.
Ecology remains dedicated to finding a path forward. The program is not ending and the law, Chapter 70A.505 RCW, remains in effect. Until a new stewardship organization is identified by producers, Ecology recommends the following actions:
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Collectors: PCA is committed to conducting a final pick-up in January of 2026. Be sure to schedule that pickup. Document all costs related to mercury-containing lights – they may be reimbursable through the Local Solid Waste Financial Assistance (LSWFA) program.
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Retailers / Remitters (entities that pay the EHC to Product Care): Keep detailed records of any EHC collected until new remittance procedures are established, at which time remittance can be paid.
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Residents: This is a challenging time for the LightRecycle program. Collection sites are facing unprecedented challenges and may have stopped collecting mercury-containing lights.
For information about recycling options, program administration, or next steps, please contact the Washington State Department of Ecology: mercurylights@ecy.wa.gov
BATTERY STEWARDSHIP RULES ADOPTED IN WASHINGTON
On Dec. 16, 2025, the Department of Ecology adopted a new rule, Chapter 173-905 WAC, Battery Stewardship Program. This rule guides implementation of a new law that requires battery producers to fund a statewide recycling program to provide opportunities for people to drop off their used or unwanted batteries at nearby collection sites. This rule will be effective on Jan. 16, 2026.
The law requires the battery stewardship organization to submit a plan to Ecology by July 1, 2026, describing how the program will operate. The Battery Network (formerly Call2Recycle) is expected to be the Battery Stewardship Organization in Washington. They have started to reach out to local governments in Washington. Any local governments interested in learning more can reach out to The Battery Network here.
WASHINGTON DRUG TAKE-BACK PROGRAM AUDIT RECOMMENDS OVERSIGHT AND FEE STRUCTURE CHANGES
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Improved Transparency: DOH should publicly report its oversight activities and expenditures, including how it monitors and enforces compliance with stewardship requirements.
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Fee Structure Reform: The Legislature should revise the program’s fee design to align with best practices. JLARC suggests removing the statutory fee cap and decoupling DOH’s fee authority from the operating costs reported by program operators. This would allow DOH to recover its actual oversight costs and reduce administrative uncertainty.
The audit also highlights that current fee limitations may prevent the agency from scaling oversight in line with program growth or future needs. There review was presented to the JLARC Committee on January 7, 2026.
FROM LAW TO ACTION: WASHINGTON AND OTHER STATES STAFF UP FOR PACKAGING EPR
As packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws move into implementation, states are facing a shared challenge: building the staff capacity needed to turn policy into practice. A recent Packaging Dive article highlights how state agencies and producers are hiring consultants and expanding internal expertise to manage producer plans, data reporting, compliance, and oversight.
In Washington, implementation of the state’s packaging and paper EPR law is already underway. The Washington State Department of Ecology has begun standing up the program while navigating staffing and budget constraints, including temporarily reallocating staff and planning targeted hires. Washington’s experience reflects a broader reality across the Northwest: successful EPR programs require sustained investment in people, technical expertise, and cross-state knowledge sharing as these systems move from law to operation.
Programs & News – Other States
REPORT SPOTLIGHT: INCENTIVIZING COMPOSTABLE PACKAGING RECOVERY THROUGH EPR PROGRAMS
A new report from the Composting Consortium, managed by the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, examines how EPR programs can better support composting infrastructure and compostable packaging recovery. Incentivizing Compostable Packaging Recovery Through EPR Programs: A Framework for Composter Reimbursement finds that many EPR programs overlook compostable packaging and do not adequately reimburse composters. Drawing on data from 10 composting partners, the report proposes a volume-based reimbursement framework that compensates composters based on the relative volume of certified compostable packaging they process, rather than weight or operating costs. The report also emphasizes the need for regular waste characterization studies and targeted EPR investments in infrastructure, education, and technical assistance to expand acceptance of compostable packaging.
The framework is intended to inform producer responsibility organizations, regulators, and policymakers developing or refining EPR programs that include composting systems. Download the report here.
EPR HARMONIZATION CHALLENGES HIGHLIGHTED IN U.S.–EU WEBINAR
A recent webinar hosted by AMERIPEN and EUROPEN explored common challenges facing U.S. and European extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs. Speakers emphasized the need for greater harmonization across jurisdictions, citing inconsistent definitions, labeling requirements, and fee structures as major obstacles for producers navigating multiple EPR systems.
With Europe advancing its Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) and several U.S. states launching EPR programs, panelists called for better alignment on recyclability criteria, eco-modulated fee design, and data reporting. The discussion reinforced the importance of regulatory coordination to improve compliance, reduce administrative burden, and support scalable circular packaging systems.
ONTARIO EPR SHIFT RESTRUCTURES RECYCLING CONTRACTS
As Ontario transitions to a full EPR system for packaging and paper products, major haulers like WM and GFL Environmental are securing multi-year collection contracts with producer responsibility organizations (PROs), signaling a shift in how municipal recycling is managed. Under the new system, producers are now fully responsible for funding and operating curbside recycling programs across the province. While the change removes financial and operational burdens from municipalities, it also restructures existing service arrangements—sometimes excluding smaller local contractors or altering collection roles. The rollout illustrates how large-scale EPR programs can significantly impact market dynamics, infrastructure contracts, and the role of local governments in recycling service delivery.
Legislative Updates
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Battery EPR (HB 2062) is expected to return in 2026. This would require producers of covered batteries or battery-containing products to implement a battery producer responsibility program to fund and manage the collection and processing of small and medium format batteries at their end-of-life.
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EPR for Textiles and Apparel HB 1420 would require apparel and textiles producers to finance and coordinate the collection, transportation, sorting, repair, recycling and responsible management of used apparel and textiles through extended producer responsibility (EPR).
- HB 14320 had a public hearing in the House Committee on Environment & Energy on January 15. See the recording here.
- Second Proposed Second Substitute House Bill 1420 was adopted and passed out of the House Environment & Energy on January 29.
- It changes the bill to only require producers of textiles and apparel establish and fund a Textile and Apparel Coordinating Organization that will a statewide needs assessment by March 1, 2028, in consultation with Ecology, to determine the necessary steps and investment for implementation of an EPR program.
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Recycling Refund (Deposit Return System for Beverage Containers / Bottle Bill) HB 1607 / SB 5502
- HB 1607 had a public hearing in the House Committee on Appropriations on January 21. See the recording here.
- Proposed Third Substitute House Bill 1607 was adopted and passed out of the House Appropriations on January 28.
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EPR Requirements associated with Paint HB 2301 expands the state’s paint stewardship program (PaintCare) to include other paint products such as:
- Aerosol coating products;
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Coating-related products such as paint thinner, paint colorant, paint additive, paint remover, sealant, surface preparation, or surface adhesive;
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Nonindustrial coatings.
- HB 2301 had a public hearing in the House Committee on Environment & Energy on January 22. See the recording here.
- It is scheduled for executive session in the House Environment & Energy on February 2.
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EPR for Mattresses HB 2633 / SB 6271
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SB 6271 has a public hearing scheduled in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology on February 4 at 8:00 AM.
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Study of EPR for Vapes HB 2439 includes a study of policy options and the feasibility of the state requiring manufacturers of vapor products sold in Washington to participate in a stewardship organization with a plan approved by the department to provide for the collection, transportation, recycling, and disposal of vapor products and their component parts.
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HB 2439 had a public hearing in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business on January 20. See the recording here.
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It is scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Business on January 30.
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EPR for Mattresses HB 2633 / SB 6271
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SB 6271 has a public hearing scheduled in the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology on February 4 at 8:00 AM.
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Post-consumer recycled content (PCRC) requirements 2.0 HB 2271 establishes new minimum PCRC requirements applicable to specified types of plastic products and plastic packaging and amends the existing PCRC requirements to the plastic beverage containers, household and personal care product containers, and trash bags.
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HB 2271 had a public hearing House Committee on Environment & Energy on January 15. See the recording here.
- Proposed Substitute House Bill 2271 was adopted and passed out of the House Committee on Environment & Energy House Appropriations on January 29.
Job Posting
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Metro Central Station; Portland OR
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Full-time - $144,384.33 - $184,274.91 Annually
Events & Webinars
Recycling Reform Advisory Council Meeting
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Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10am
Coast Waste Management Association (CWMA) - EPR Steward Programs Foundations + Forum Series
First Event Highlighting: Electronic Products Recycling Association
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A new (free) virtual learning series focused on BC’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) stewardship organizations.
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Multi-purpose session design to learn the basics, provide ongoing updates, and offer practical guidance for managing EPR programs in your community.
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February 12, 2026 | 1:00-2:30 PM
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Other meetings:
- Thursday, February 26, 2026, 10:00-11:30 AM | Product Care | Register
- Thursday, March 12, 2026, 10:00-11:30 AM | Call2Recycle | Register
- Thursday, March 26, 2026, 10:00-11:30 AM | TSBC | Register
- Thursday, April 9, 2026, 10:00-11:30 AM | MARR | Register
- Thursday, April 30, 2026, 10:00-11:30 AM | Interchange Recycling | Register
- Thursday, May 21, 2026, 10:00-11:30 AM | Encorp / Return-It | Register
- Thursday, September 17, 2026, 10:00-11:30 AM | Encorp / Return-It 2 | Register
- Thursday, September 24, 2026, 10:00-11:30 AM | Recycle BC | Register
Northwest NAHMMA (North American Hazardous Materials Management Association) Symposium 2026
Resource Recycling Conference 2026
41st Annual SWANA Northwest Regional Symposium
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Events page - https://swananw.org/nw-symposium/
2026 Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA) Conference
Engage with the Northwest Product Stewardship Council. Add your voice and join the Northwest Product Stewardship Council (NWPSC) as an Associate, Steering or Community member. Follow the NWPSC on Twitter (@StewardshipNW) for product stewardship information from Washington, Oregon and elsewhere.
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