Oregon modernises recycling with new rules to tackle plastic pollution

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has introduced new rules under the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, a significant step aimed at improving recycling systems statewide while addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste.

First legislated in 2021 as Senate Bill 582, this initiative seeks to modernise recycling infrastructure and reduce the environmental impacts associated with paper, packaging, and food serviceware.

These changes will expand recycling services across Oregon, upgrade sorting facilities, and introduce environmental and social benefits by tackling issues like plastic pollution. Under the updated system, producers and manufacturers will bear much of the financial responsibility for these improvements. The rules also include provisions for performance standards at recycling facilities, the introduction of fees to fund infrastructure and support reuse programmes, and mechanisms to incentivise manufacturers to reduce the environmental impact of their products.

Leah Feldon, DEQ director, said: Oregon has long been recognized as a leader in recycling. The Recycling Modernization Act will make recycling easier for households and bring greater transparency and accountability to the system, so people and businesses know when they set something out for recycling it actually gets safely recycled.

The DEQ highlights that these measures are part of a broader strategy to create a more efficient and sustainable recycling system while promoting accountability among producers.

Cheryl Grabham, DEQ Materials Management Program manager, said: The new rules set a solid foundation for important updates to Oregon’s recycling system. Combined with many other milestones achieved, we are primed for a successful rolling launch to bring modern, convenient, responsible recycling to Oregon.

By integrating environmental impact assessments and encouraging reuse over recycling, the programme aims to deliver long-term benefits to Oregon's waste management framework.