Today, Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) officially goes into effect after five years of planning and preparation.
The RMA introduces significant changes to how Oregon funds, collects, and recycles packaging, paper, and food serviceware. It also introduces RecycleOn Oregon, a new, trusted source for recycling information.
Over the next few years, local governments, as well as recycling and waste companies across the state, will collaborate with Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the organization selected by the state of Oregon to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program created by the RMA to update the recycling system.
Residents and businesses may notice changes in their recycling services, receive updated information about what can be recycled, and learn more about where the recycled materials end up. The goal is to enable all Oregonians to recycle with confidence and have certainty that their recyclables will find a new life.
“I am excited about what the RMA and RecycleOn Oregon mean for residents across Lane County,” said Jeff Orlandini, Lane County Waste Management Division manager. “For now, we encourage folks to continue recycling as they have been and to follow the new Recycling Guide to know what can be recycled. For residents with curbside service, check with your hauler if you have any specific questions.”
Recycling changes include the addition of food and beverage cartons, delivery pizza boxes, round plastic containers such as margarine tubs, plant pots, and buckets.
Because the law will impact the entire recycling system, some details will be worked out gradually over time, said Angie Marzano, Lane County Waste Reduction Program supervisor.
“While many residents may not notice a massive change in what is and isn’t collected, our rural communities and waste haulers may see some significant differences over the next few years as the law matures,” Marzano said. “Ultimately, this law will help to save natural resources, reduce pollution, and create jobs, which is very exciting.”
For residents and businesses of Lane County, this means recycling cardboard and cartons, paper, plastic, and metal. Glass should be recycled separately in a glass-only bin or brought to a drop-off site. All items must be empty and dry and placed loose into recycling containers. No bagged recyclables.
RecycleOn Oregon Recycling Centers or drop-off locations will become available for stretchy plastics, plastic lids, and other items in the coming months and years.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) selected Circular Action Alliance as the producer responsibility organization to implement the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program created by the RMA. Before the RMA, accepted recyclable materials, recycling services, and collection options for residents varied across the state.
The new law requires producers and manufacturers of packaging, printing and writing paper, and food serviceware to contribute to funding recycling services. That funding will be used to modernize and standardize recycling across the state.
“Oregon is the first state to implement an extended producer responsibility (EPR) law for packaging and paper which intends to make significant improvements to recycling and help the state meet its recycling goals,” says Kim Holmes, executive director of CAA Oregon. “The work done by the state and communities as a result of the RMA will create a modernized system that shares the cost to fund recycling programs, supports innovation and makes recycling easier and more effective for Oregonians.”
For more information about the local recycling program in Lane County, visit lanecountyor.gov/recycle. For more information about the RMA, visit the State's website.
About Lane County Waste Management Division
The Lane County Waste Management Division oversees the management of solid recycling and solid waste in Lane County. Its mission is to provide, safe, responsible and economical recycling and disposal services, while respecting the environment and communities it serves. Learn more at lanecountyor.gov/waste.
About RecycleOn Oregon
Oregon is taking bold steps to create a more effective and accessible recycling system through the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA), a groundbreaking law designed to expand access to recycling, reduce contamination and ensure producers take greater responsibility for the materials they create. RecycleOn Oregon is the statewide campaign created by Circular Action Alliance (CAA) with help from local governments, service providers, community members and branding experts to help Oregonians understand, engage with and navigate these changes. CAA is leading education and outreach efforts to help local governments and service providers prepare communities for the upcoming updates, which take effect in July 2025. Learn more at RecycleOn.org/Oregon.