Washington Adopts Packaging EPR Law, Marking Major Recycling Reform

SEATTLE (Waste Advantage): On May 17, 2025, Governor Bob Ferguson signed SB 5284, known as the Recycling Reform Act, into law — calling it the “biggest overhaul of our recycling system in decades.” Washington is now the seventh U.S. state to adopt a packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) law, following Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, Minnesota, and Maryland. With this move, the entire U.S. West Coast is now covered by packaging EPR programs.

What the Law Does

Spearheaded by Representative Liz Berry (D-Seattle) and Senator Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes), the law establishes an EPR system for residential paper and packaging products. It includes the following key provisions:

•          Requires producers to join a Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) by July 1, 2026.
•          Charges PROs with developing, implementing, and financing the program with oversight from the Washington State Department of Ecology and an Advisory Council.
•          Mandates a statewide recycling collection list and curbside recycling for all households that already have curbside garbage service, potentially expanding access to hundreds of thousands of residents.
•          Phases in producer reimbursement of at least 90% of program costs to service providers:
•          50% by Feb. 15, 2030
•          75% by Feb. 15, 2031
•          90% by Feb. 15, 2032
•          Includes exemptions for certain food and medical packaging, and materials with a reuse/recycling rate of 65% for three consecutive years (increasing to 70% in 2030).
•          Requires MRFs processing over 25,000 tons/year to pay workers a “minimum industry standard compensation” starting in 2028.

Key Implementation Dates

•          Jan. 1, 2026 – Producers must appoint a PRO; Ecology establishes an Advisory Council.
•          July 1, 2026 – Producers must be members of a PRO.
•          Dec. 31, 2026 – Ecology completes a preliminary statewide recycling needs assessment.
•          Dec 31, 2027 – Ecology completes a full needs assessment.
•          Oct. 1, 2028 – PRO submits plan to Ecology.
•          Jan. 1, 2030 – Full implementation of the approved program.
•          2032 – Equity study due to legislature; full reimbursement phase-in complete.

Why it Matters

Washington’s recycling system has struggled due to inconsistent acceptance lists, limited funding, and market challenges, with local governments and residents footing much of the bill. By shifting most of the financial and operational responsibility to producers, this law aims to make the system more efficient, equitable, and sustainable. It also creates a model that aligns with neighboring states’ EPR efforts, supporting regional harmonization.

“The passage of the Recycling Reform Act is a huge milestone for a more sustainable, responsible, and equitable recycling system in Washington,” said Adrian Tan, Co-Chair of the Northwest Product Stewardship Council. “We’ve spent years working on this policy – learning from best practices around the world and the other states that have passed EPR for packaging, and adapting it so that it would work for producers and the state’s waste management system.”

“We’re incredibly proud of the coalition that helped make this possible,” said McKenna Morrigan, Policy Advisor at Seattle Public Utilities “This legislation positions Washington as a leader in responsible materials management.”

“This landmark law marks another major victory for producer responsibility in the U.S.,” said Scott Cassel, CEO and Founder of the Product Stewardship Institute. “Washington’s leadership sends a clear message: the time has come for producers to take meaningful responsibility for the packaging they put into the marketplace. This policy is a smart, scalable solution that will improve recycling, reduce waste, and level the playing field nationwide.”

Courtesy: www.wasteadvantagemag.com