 May 2026
Programs & News – Oregon & Washington
LightRecycle Washington Resumes June 1
LightRecycle Washington is expected to resume operations to collect mercury-containing lights on June 1, 2026, pending conditional approval of a stewardship plan submitted by the Mercury Lamp Recyclers Association (MLRA), following the exit of Product Care Association (PCA) in January 2026. If approved, MLRA will assume administration and recycling cost responsibilities, with EcoLights continuing as the processor. Collection locations may not immediately resume collections, and consumers and small businesses should call ahead to confirm availability before drop-off. Retailers will transition reporting and remittance to MLRA in 2026, and producers must register with MLRA to remain in compliance.
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Washington Begins Rulemaking for Packaging EPR Program
The Washington State Department of Ecology has initiated rulemaking for Chapter 173-950 WAC to implement the state’s Recycling Reform Act, which establishes an EPR program for packaging and paper products. The Rulemaking Committee will meet on May 27, 2026, at 2 p.m. PT. Stakeholders and members of the public are invited to participate and provide input.
Inmar to Cease Operations in Drug Take-Back
Inmar Intelligence will end its role as operator of Washington’s Safe Medication Return program on June 30, 2026. Beginning July 1, 2026, MED-Project will assume program operations as the sole operator, continuing statewide medication disposal services through kiosks, mail-back, and take-back locations. The transition is not expected to disrupt public access, and existing sites and stakeholders will shift to MED-Project for continued compliance and program operations. Inmar is also winding down similar operations in Oregon and California.
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Oregon DEQ Approves Responsible End Markets Amendment
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has approved a program plan amendment submitted by Circular Action Alliance (CAA) that strengthens requirements for Responsible End Markets (REM) under the state’s Recycling Modernization Act. The updated version outlines a benchmarking process for third-party certifications and PRO verifications, adjustments to performance criteria, and a variance for glass furnaces. The change reflects ongoing implementation of the state’s EPR framework for packaging and was developed through stakeholder engagement and public input.
Explore the New NWPSC Website
Last month, we unveiled our redesigned website, reflecting the continued evolution of NWPSC’s work and impact. Whether you’re a longtime member looking for EPR updates and resources or someone new exploring product stewardship in the Northwest, the new site is designed to make your experience more intuitive, informative, and engaging.
Programs & News – Other States
CAA Opens Public Comment on Responsible End Markets Standard
CAA is advancing work on a draft Responsible Markets Certification Standard designed to support consistent verification of REM requirements under existing and emerging EPR laws. CAA has opened a public comment period on the draft REM Standard, inviting input from regulators, local governments, service providers, end markets, producers and other interested parties. The comment period runs from May 5 through July 7, 2026.
California SB 54 Regulations Finalized
On May 1, 2026, the California Office of Administrative Law approved the permanent regulations for SB 54 Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (EPR for packaging and single-use plastic food service ware), completing a lengthy rulemaking process. In conjunction with the finalized regulations, CalRecycle also launched a new guidance webpage to help producers understand and comply with the law’s registration, reporting, and implementation requirements.
Upcoming Producer Reporting Deadlines Across Packaging EPR States
Several state packaging EPR programs are approaching key producer registration and reporting deadlines. Producers in California, Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington must complete registration by May 31, 2026 before submitting required reports. The same date also marks deadlines for Annual Supply Reports (2025 data) for California, Colorado, and Oregon, California’s Source Reduction Report (2025 data), and interim simplified producer reports for Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington. California’s Baseline Producer Report (2023 data) is due June 1, 2026.
New York Packaging EPR Bill Amended
New York's Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA)—SB 1464A and companion AB 1749A—was recently revised through nearly 150 amendments aimed at building broader support for the legislation. The changes extend certain compliance deadlines, add flexibility to recycled content requirements, narrow some chemical restrictions, and align parts of the bill more closely with packaging EPR programs in other states.
EPA Releases Battery Best Practices
The U.S. EPA released new guidance outlining best practices for battery collection and recycling programs, with a focus on improving safety, reducing fire risks, and increasing consumer awareness. The report fulfills a congressional mandate under the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which also requires EPA and the Department of Energy to develop a federal battery EPR framework.
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Job Posting
The Battery Network: Regional State Stewardship Manager (Washington)
Events & Webinars
Washington Recycling Reform Act Advisory Council Meeting
2026 Association of Oregon Recyclers (AOR) Conference
- Graduate Hotel, Eugene, OR | June 22-24, 2026
Engage with the Northwest Product Stewardship Council (NWPSC). Join as an Associate, Steering Committee, or Community member.
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