This month, two states took important steps towards circular economy leadership. Washington and Maryland have enacted an Extended Producer Liability (EPR) Act for Packaging, signaling that the national momentum behind sustainable packaging is accelerating. These measures will shift the financial burden of recycling from local governments to companies that produce packaging, and coordinate economic incentives with environmental responsibility.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson signed Senate Bill 5284, the EPR Act for Cleaning Values for Packaging and Paper Products on May 17th. Maryland enacted SB 901 in law on May 13th.
These laws have brought national EPR movements to eight states, including California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, Maine and New York. The path to EPR frameworks across the country is beginning to take shape.
“By requiring businesses to fund packaging and paper products collection, sorting and processing, EPR not only reduces waste, but also encourages the design of more sustainable materials.” SB 5284 signature mentioned.
Transfer of responsibility
The new law places financial and operational responsibility for recycling packaging to the companies that produce it. In Washington, producers will need to fund the design and operation of a statewide recycling system that will serve residents of almost every state by 2030. Governor Ferguson He said the bill was presented. “The biggest overhaul of recycling systems in decades.”
Washington joined California and Oregon. California and Oregon previously passed the EPR Act and unified the West Coast to reform recycling in the 21st century.
The impact of Washington
Senate Bill 5284 is one of the most detailed and progressive EPR laws in the country. Consumer packaging and paper products producers need:
- By July 1, 2027, you must join Producer Responsible Organization (Pro), an industry-funded entity that manages the EPR program. The group, once established, develops and submits a stewardship plan to the Washington Department of Ecology.
- By 2031 we will ensure recycled access for curbs of 90% of our population. This includes multifamily homes that have traditionally been neglected by recycling programs.
- For at least 90% of the remaining population, we offer non-city side options such as packaging drop-off points.
- The industry should cover at least 90% of the net cost of recycling systems, including collection, processing, and educational campaigns.
- By 2032, all packaging will clearly label standardized recycling orders.
- By 2029, we will eliminate certain problematic materials from our recycle streams, including harmful PFAS treated paper and hard-to-recycle plastics such as PVC and expanded polystyrene.
The law emphasizes fairness, requires access to recycling systems across geographical, economic and cultural lines, and pays particular attention to rural, tribal and heavy-duty communities. The Washington Ecological Agency will lead surveillance, enforcement and reporting. The penalty for the range of compliance is up to $1,000 per day, and increases to $10,000 per day for repeated violations.
The impact of Maryland
Maryland law requires greater access to curb collection and drop-off locations, requiring professional participation for packaging and paper products producers, and gradually assuming financial responsibility for local recycling programs on a more aggressive schedule than Washington.
- By July 1, 2026producers need to join a pro
- By July 1, 2028professionals must submit performance plans
- By July 2028, Producers must be responsible for 50% of their net costs by July 2028
- By July 2029, Producers will cover 75% of their costs by July 2029
- By July 2030, 90% of the cost will be reduced to producers
- The law also integrates eco-modulated fees that reward producers using recyclable or compostable packaging.
The Maryland Department of Environment oversees implementation and execution.
What will happen next
These laws arrived when Circle Economy, a non-profit research organization, reported the global recovery and processing of materials. It’s been dropped for the eighth consecutive year. As public frustration with confusing recycling systems and corporate waste increases, laws like SB 5284 and SB 901 provide a blueprint for systematic change and ultimately become manufacturer-created waste hooks. These new costs can ultimately drive package makers to embrace circularity and reduce reliance on disposable materials.
Over 12 other EPR invoices It is under consideration in state legislatures across the country.
