7 States Have EPR Packaging Laws, 5 More Assessing Need

The states that currently have EPR (extended producer responsibility) laws that cover packaging, including plastic packaging, are Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington. These laws place responsibility on producers for the end-of-life management of packaging, including plastic packaging, often requiring registration with a producer responsibility organization (PRO), reporting, and payment of fees to support recycling and waste reduction systems.

As of October 2025:

• Seven states have passed packaging EPR laws: Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington. Five more (Hawaii, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut) are conducting needs assessments.
• Circular Action Alliance (CAA) has been selected as the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) in California, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, and Maryland. Washington is in the process of forming its PRO.
• Active producer requirements: Oregon, Colorado, California, and Minnesota all had reporting or registration deadlines in 2025. Oregon became the first state to issue invoices and collect producer fees.
• Truth in Labeling (SB 343): California’s final findings confirm that LDPE and HDPE thin film (poly mailers, bags, films) are not compliant and must update recyclability labeling practices. All brands selling into California must comply by October 4, 2026.

More information is available here.

Image above: Green states above have some type of packaging legislation. Source

David Shiller

David Shiller is the Publisher of LightNOW, and Senior Business Development Consultant at Capacity Consulting, a North American consulting firm providing business development services to advanced lighting manufacturers. The ALA awarded David the Pillar of the Industry Award. David has been co-chair of the ALA’s Engineering Committee since 2010. David established MaxLite’s OEM component sales into a multi-million dollar division. He invented GU24 lamps while leading ENERGY STAR lighting programs for the US EPA. David has been published in leading lighting publications, including LD+A, enLIGHTenment Magazine, LEDs Magazine, and more.

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