 March 2026
Programs & News – Oregon & Washington
Oregon Battery Bill Heads to Governor
Oregon lawmakers passed House Bill 4144, requiring producers of most portable and medium-format batteries to join a statewide program for collection and recycling. The bill now goes to Governor Tina Kotek for signature. The 35-day session produced a mix of budget, spending, and policy bills, with many proposed measures not advancing. The legislative session adjourned on March 8, 2026.
Washington Recycling Reform Act PRO Selected
On March 4, Washington’s Department of Ecology designated Circular Action Alliance (CAA) as the state’s Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for residential paper and packaging under the Recycling Reform Act. Interchange 360 was also approved to run an alternative program for lubricant, petroleum, and automotive packaging.
Washington Begins Rulemaking for Recycling Reform Act
The Washington Department of Ecology is starting rulemaking to implement the state’s Recycling Reform Act. Stakeholders and the public are invited to provide input and ask questions. Ecology will hold recurring meetings through late 2027, ahead of a formal rule proposal.
2026 Washington Legislative Session Recap
Washington’s 2026 session saw consideration of multiple EPR bills—including those related to establishing new programs for mattresses and textiles, an expansion of the existing paint EPR program, and a deposit return system for beverage containers. No bills ultimately advanced through passage, with lawmakers citing the short 60-day session and significant budget pressures as key factors shaping legislative outcomes. The session adjourned on March 12, 2026.
Paper Industry Joins Oregon EPR Lawsuit
The American Forest & Paper Association has moved to join a lawsuit challenging Oregon’s packaging EPR law, aligning with the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors’ case. The group is seeking a similar temporary pause in enforcement; a federal court has already granted a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of the law for NAW members pending a trial scheduled to begin July 13, 2026. Additional industry groups have also sought to intervene in the case.
Programs & News – Other States
Landbell to Lead California Textile EPR Program
CalRecycle has selected Landbell USA as the PRO for California’s textile EPR program, the first in the U.S. Landbell will manage collection, reuse, and recycling of clothing and textiles, with pilot projects starting soon and full statewide rollout planned by 2030.
California Resubmits SB 54 Regulations
On March 19, CalRecycle resubmitted SB 54 regulations to the California Office of Administrative Law for final review. OAL has 30 working days to act, meaning a decision could come by May 1. If approved, the regulations would take effect shortly thereafter, triggering near-term deadlines for producers to register with the Circular Action Alliance and begin reporting supply data. While final regulations are still pending, the statutory timeline under SB 54 remains unchanged, with the program set to take effect on January 1, 2027.
California Truth-in-Labeling Law Faces Legal Challenge
California’s recyclability labeling law, SB 343, is being challenged by business groups, including the Flexible Packaging Association and the American Forest & Paper Association, which are seeking a preliminary injunction to block enforcement in October. The law prohibits using chasing arrows or other recyclability symbols unless a product or packaging is accepted for collection by programs serving at least 60% of the state’s population.
ILMA Files Lawsuit Challenging Colorado EPR Law
The Independent Lubricant Manufacturers Association (ILMA) has filed a lawsuit in Colorado state court challenging how the state’s packaging EPR law is being implemented. ILMA is asking the court to block enforcement of the program for its members and to confirm that companies cannot be forced to participate in private recycling programs as they are currently designed.
Connecticut Launches Tire Stewardship Program
Connecticut has launched a tire stewardship program designed to support tire collection and recycling and to reduce illegal dumping. Initially, residents of four towns will be able to drop off tires at their local transfer stations at no cost. Collected tires will be sent to one of five processing facilities in Connecticut or Massachusetts for resale or recycling. The program is led by tire manufacturers, with participation from companies including Bridgestone, Continental, Michelin, and Goodyear.
Legislative Updates
Oregon and Washington concluded their legislative sessions on March 8 and March 12, respectively. Both states will start fresh in 2027, with no bills carried over.
Oregon
-
HB 4144 (Batteries): Passed both chambers as of March 5. Awaiting Governor’s signature.
-
HB 4030 (Packaging Amendment): Would have exempted packaging for certain berries and protein products; did not advance.
Washington
No bills advanced this session.
-
HB 1420/SB 6174 (Textiles): Would have required a statewide needs assessment to evaluate systems for managing textiles and apparel.
-
HB 2301 (Paint Amendment): Would have expanded the state’s paint EPR program to include aerosol coatings and related products.
-
SB 6271/HB 2633 (Mattresses): Would have established an EPR program for mattresses.
-
HB 2439 (Vapes): Would have required a study on EPR for vape products.
-
HB 1607/SB 5502 (Beverage Containers): Would have established a beverage container deposit return system.
Events & Webinars
Northwest NAHMMA Symposium 2026
- Tacoma, WA | March 31 – April 2, 2026
AOR 2026 Spring Forum: Non-Packaging EPR Programs
Navigating the Future of Textiles EPR: Global Case Studies & Brand Perspectives
41st Annual SWANA Northwest Regional Symposium
2026 Washington State Recycling Association (WSRA) Conference
2026 Association of Oregon Recyclers (AOR) Conference
- Graduate Hotel, Eugene, OR | June 22-24, 2026
P2 West Conference
Engage with the Northwest Product Stewardship Council (NWPSC). Join as an Associate, Steering Committee, or Community member. Follow @StewardshipNW on X for product stewardship information from Washington, Oregon and elsewhere.
|
