 July 2026
Programs & News – Oregon & Washington
Pierce County Drops the Cost of Recycling Old Electronics
Pierce County residents now have a free way to recycle old electronics, thanks to two local transfer stations that joined the E-Cycle Washington program in 2025. Prairie Ridge Transfer Station began accepting electronics at no charge on May 1, 2025, followed shortly after by Purdy Transfer Station. The two sites let residents drop off broken, obsolete, or worn-out TVs, computers, and monitors free of charge, with a limit of 10 items per visit.
That is a meaningful shift for residents who previously had to pay out of pocket to recycle electronics locally. At the Hidden Valley Transfer Station in Puyallup, for example, fees run as high as $85 for a television and $26 for computer monitors or towers. With Prairie Ridge and Purdy now offering the same service for free, residents have far less reason to let old electronics pile up in a garage or get tossed elsewhere.
The numbers suggest it's working. In 2024, E-Cycle Washington collected 1,024,503 lbs. of electronics in Pierce County. In 2025, that number rose to 1,302,513 lbs.—a 27% increase, at a time when statewide collection totals for E-Cycle Washington have been trending downward overall.
E-Cycle Washington is the state's free program that makes it easy for Washington residents to recycle certain electronics, including televisions, computers, and monitors.
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NWPSC Lunch & Learn Webinar: E-Cycle Washington
Join the Northwest Product Stewardship Council on Thursday, August 20, 12-1 pm PT for "How Local Governments and Producer Organizations (PROs) Can Work Together to Boost Outreach: A Case Study on E-Cycle Washington." Speakers from the producer organization behind E-Cycle: Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority (WMMFA), Seattle Public Utilities, and King County Solid Waste Division will share how the partnership to raise awareness about free electronics recycling came together and what they learned, with practical tips for local governments of any size. Register here.
Public Comment Open on Washington Mercury Lights Stewardship Plan
The Washington State Department of Ecology is inviting public comment on a draft product stewardship plan and appendix for mercury-containing lights, submitted by the Mercury Lamp Recyclers Association (MLRA) – the new Stewardship Organization for the LightRecycle Washington program. Ecology has conditionally approved the plan to allow the program to quickly resume the collection of fluorescent and other mercury-containing lights across the state. The statewide recycling program was temporarily paused from February through June 2026 after PCA Product Stewardship Inc. ceased program operations on December 31, 2025. Many sites stopped collecting mercury-containing lights. The local governments that did continue collection had to pay for the end-of-life management services, when the program ceased to operate. LightRecycle was previously funded by an Environmental Handling Charge paid by consumers, but with the new stewardship plan producers are expected to contribute financially to the program. The comment period ends July 26, 2026, with feedback submitted through Ecology's online comment form.
First Draft of Recycling Reform Act Statewide Collection Lists & Public Comment Opportunity for Recycling Refund Study
The Recycling Reform Act (RRA) will establish statewide lists for recyclables and compostables for curbside, drop-off and public place collection. The first draft of the lists is now available on the RRA Advisory Council website, along with a review memo and companion document detailing the evaluation methodology. The Advisory Council Statewide Lists Subcommittee will meet July 22 (1-3pm), August 4 (1-3pm), and August 10 (10am-12pm) to discuss the draft collection lists to provide feedback to Ecology. There will also be a public comment period on an updated version of the statewide collection lists at the beginning of August.
 Separately, the Department of Ecology has opened public comment on its Draft Recycling Refund Community Engagement Study Report, which summarizes engagement efforts to gauge the impacts of a recycling refund program (also known as a Bottle Bill or a deposit return system) for beverage containers, building on an earlier report covering Spokane, Yakima, and King County. Public comment is open through August 10, 2026.
There are Virtual Info Sessions July 28 (12-2pm) and July 29 (6-8pm), and In-Person Info Sessions for WA community members:
- Spokane County July 23 (6-8pm) Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario 1214 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
- King County July 30 (6-8pm) Duwamish River Community Hub 8600 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
Refreshments will be provided at in-person sessions, and Spanish interpretation will be available.
Washington's Battery Stewardship Plan Now Open for Public Comment
The Washington Department of Ecology is seeking public comment on a proposed battery stewardship plan submitted by The Battery Network, developed under the state's Battery Stewardship Program. The plan outlines how the producer-funded collection system for portable and medium-format batteries will operate, including participating producers, program funding, performance goals, and safety procedures. All local governments that collect batteries can get their costs covered by the Program, so should review the plan. Comments are due by August 24, 2026, and can be submitted through Ecology's public comment portal.
Recycling Reform Act Will Lower Bills for Washington Residents
The Washington State Department of Ecology says the Recycling Reform Act, signed into law in May 2025, will lower recycling costs by shifting packaging and paper end-of-life costs from residents to producers. Ecology projects household recycling bills will drop by at least 90% after 2032, once the program's reimbursement rate reaches its highest level. Residents currently pay $8 to $10 a month for curbside recycling. Ahead of the 2030 launch, Ecology will release statewide collection lists by October 2026, opening a public comment period in August.
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) on tour in Washington
In early June, CAA Washington (the designated Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for the Recycling Reform Act) toured recycling and operations facilities in rural north central Washington, visiting Douglas and Okanogan counties, and spoke with local governments and service providers to understand current recycling services and prepare for program planning.
In late June, CAA Washington attended the Washington Refuse & Recycling Association’s (WRRA) Annual Meeting where CAA delivered a keynote and spoke on a panel highlighting a goal to partner with solid waste & recycling service providers to develop an informed program plan to later implement the Recycling Reform Act.
CAA Releases First Oregon Annual Report for Packaging EPR Program
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Oregon released its first annual report on the state's paper and packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, covering the first six months since the program launched on July 1, 2025, under Oregon's Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).
The report highlights early, producer-funded investments across the system: 20 new RecycleOn Centers opened, bringing more than 605,000 Oregonians within 15 miles of a site; over 42,000 recycling carts and 12 collection trucks funded; and more than 2,900 producers participating, reporting over 409,000 tons of materials. Public education campaigns reached 89% of Oregon adults, with materials available in 12 languages.
CAA describes 2025 as a "build year" focused on contracts and planning, with major investments continuing to roll out in 2026 and 2027 as the system works toward full implementation by the end of 2027.
DEQ conducts a review process for the annual report that includes a public comment period and review by the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council. To submit public comments: Please send comments on CAA's 2025 Annual Report to rethink.recycling@deq.oregon.gov by 5pm PT on Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026.
Recycling Modernization Act Brings Curbside Recycling to Pendleton
Residents of Pendleton, Oregon will start receiving curbside recycling pickup this month, made possible by the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. The EPR law is helping bring consistent recycling access to communities across the state based on city size and distance from Portland. Pickup will happen every other week, on the same day as garbage collection, for an added $8 a month. Residents can recycle clean paper, cardboard, hard plastics, and small metal items curbside; glass still goes to local depots. Collected recycling will be processed at Pioneer Recycling Services in Clackamas. Pendleton joins other Eastern Oregon cities, including Hermiston, Umatilla, and Baker City, in expanding recycling access.
Federal Judge to Rule on Oregon's Recycling Modernization Act
U.S. District Judge Michael Simon expects to rule on the fate of Oregon's Recycling Modernization Act by the end of August, following a five-day trial in National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors v. Feldon. The judge heard testimony from experts representing both sides: the state defended the fee structure and its nonprofit administrator, Circular Action Alliance, while the wholesalers argued the law is unconstitutional, interferes with interstate commerce, and improperly delegates government functions to a private nonprofit.
Oregon Recycles Over 134,000 Mattresses in Program's First Full Year
Oregonians diverted 134,121 mattresses and foundations from landfills in 2025, the first full year of the state's Bye Bye Mattress recycling program, according to the newly submitted 2025 Annual Report. Created in 2022, the program is run by the nonprofit Mattress Recycling Council through free collection sites and events statewide. Of the total collected, 5.9 million pounds of material was reused, recycled, or converted to biomass fuel—a 75.6% diversion rate—and 2,081 mattresses were refurbished for reuse. The program is funded by a $22.50 fee on new mattress purchases.
Programs & News – Other States
Curbside Recycling Launches in B.C. Through Indigenous Partnership
Four Nisg̱a'a village governments in northwestern British Columbia have launched the region's first curbside recycling program, delivering weekly pickup to a remote community that previously had no formal recycling access. The roughly two-year effort was developed in partnership with the Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group and Recycle B.C., the producer responsibility organization (PRO) that runs British Columbia's EPR program for packaging and paper. Previously, residents drove 150 kilometers (about 90 minutes) to Terrace to drop off recyclables.
California's Truth-in-Labeling Law Blocked
A judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California has granted a preliminary injunction blocking enforcement of SB 343, California's "truth in labeling" law that was set to take effect Oct. 4, 2026. The law aimed to stop companies from putting recyclability symbols, like chasing arrows, on packaging unless it met certain criteria. Business groups including the Flexible Packaging Association and the American Forest & Paper Association sued in March, arguing the law violates First Amendment rights, and the judge agreed, finding it broader than necessary and its criteria overly vague.
Oregon reviewed SB 343 as part of its own Truth in Labeling Task Force, created under the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which studied misleading recyclability claims and delivered recommendations to the Legislature in 2022.
EV Battery Recycling Has a Math Problem
Salvage yards across the country are struggling to find profitable (or even cost-neutral) homes for old EV batteries, according to NPR. While some batteries packed with valuable minerals like nickel and cobalt can be recycled at no cost or even for a profit, others cost salvage yards money to get rid of—negative $1,800 per battery at one Massachusetts salvage yard. The problem is expected to worsen as manufacturers shift toward cheaper lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which have little recycling value. Recyclers now charge "gate fees" of $1.50–$2 per kilogram to accept them, on top of hazardous shipping costs — pushing some batteries toward landfills or unsafe overseas processing. Colorado has passed an EPR law requiring automakers to pick up and recycle stranded EV batteries at their own expense. The law drew broad support from salvage yards, recyclers, and automakers, and advocates hope other states will follow.
Job Posting
The Battery Network: Regional State Stewardship Manager (Washington)
Events & Webinars
WA Recycling Refund (Bottle Bill / Deposit Return System) In-Person Info Sessions for WA Community Members in Spokane County
- Thursday, July 23, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT
- Spokane County, Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario 1214 E Sprague Ave, Spokane, WA 99202
- More information here
WA Recycling Refund (Bottle Bill / Deposit Return System) Virtual Info Session
- Tuesday, July 28, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM PT
- More information here
WA Recycling Refund (Bottle Bill / Deposit Return System) Virtual Info Session
- Wednesday, July 29, 2026| 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT
- More information here
OR Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) Advisory Council Meeting
- Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
- More information here
WA Recycling Refund (Bottle Bill / Deposit Return System) In-Person Info Sessions for WA Community Members in King County
- Thursday, July 30, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT
- King County, Duwamish River Community Hub 8600 14th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
- More information here
WA Recycling Reform Act (RRA) Statewide List Subcommittee Meeting
- Tuesday, August 4, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM PT
- More information here
WA Recycling Reform Act (RRA) Statewide List Subcommittee Meeting
- Monday, August 10, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
- More information here
CAA Webinar: OR Program Plan 2028-2032: Eco-modulation and Responsible End Markets (REM)
- Wednesday, August 12, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
- Join Circular Action Alliance for a consultation webinar to inform Oregon’s 2028–2032 Program Plan, with a focus on eco-modulation and Responsible End Markets (REMs).
- This session is designed for local governments, recycling and waste service providers, producers and other interested parties to provide input on key program design elements that will shape Oregon’s recycling system.
- Participants will hear CAA’s proposed approach, have the opportunity to ask questions via chat and share feedback through a post-webinar survey.
- More information here
WA Recycling Reform Act (RRA) Advisory Council Meeting
- Thursday, August 13, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM PT (Hybrid)
- More information here
CAA Webinar: OR Program Plan 2028-2032: Education, Outreach and Equity
- Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
- Join Circular Action Alliance for a consultation webinar to inform Oregon’s 2028–2032 Program Plan, with a focus on education, outreach and equity.
- This session is designed for local governments, recycling and waste service providers, producers and other interested parties to provide input on key program design elements that will shape Oregon’s recycling system.
- Participants will hear CAA’s proposed approach, have the opportunity to ask questions via chat and share feedback through a post-webinar survey.
- More information here
WA Recycling Reform Act (RRA) Rulemaking: Advisory Committee Meeting #2
- Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM PT
- More information here
CAA Webinar: OR Program Plan 2028-2032: Materials, USCL and RecycleOn Centers
- Wednesday, September 2, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM PT
- Join Circular Action Alliance for a consultation webinar to inform Oregon’s 2028–2032 program plan, with a focus on Materials, Uniform Statewide Collection List (USCL) and RecycleOn Centers.
- This session is designed for local governments, recycling and waste service providers, producers and other interested parties to provide input on key program design elements that will shape Oregon’s recycling system.
- Participants will hear CAA’s proposed approach, have the opportunity to ask questions via chat and share feedback through a post-webinar survey.
- More information here
Coast Waste Management Association (CWMA) Annual Conference
- October 7-9, 2026 | In-Person & Virtual
- More information here
Engage with the Northwest Product Stewardship Council (NWPSC). Join as an Associate, Steering Committee, or Community member.
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