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Oregon Statewide Rule

Oregon Recycling Modernization Act Statewide Requirements

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across Oregon (2026)

Key Facts

Authorizing Law
SB 582 (2021)
Effective Date
July 1, 2025
Lead Agency
Oregon DEQ
Coverage
Packaging and paper products
Statute
ORS 459A.860-459A.975
Last verified: August 20, 2026Source: Oregon Public Law

Summary

Oregon's Recycling Modernization Act (SB 582, 2021) establishes a uniform statewide collection list and shifts recycling costs to producers through extended producer responsibility, taking effect July 2025 across all jurisdictions.

Uniform statewide collection list; producer-collected materials; rules. (1) The Environmental Quality Commission, in consultation with producer responsibility organizations and the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council, shall by rule identify materials that are suitable for recycling collection in this state and the methods for collection of those materials. Rules adopted under this subsection must distinguish between: (a) Materials collected to provide the opportunity to recycle; and (b) Covered products of which a producer responsibility organization must provide for the collection through recycling depot or mobile collection events as provided in ORS

Source: Oregon Public LawView official code

Full Breakdown

Codified in ORS chapter 459A, the Recycling Modernization Act creates a producer responsibility program for packaging, paper products, and food serviceware. The Department of Environmental Quality maintains a uniform statewide collection list under ORS 459A.914 specifying which materials must be accepted for recycling everywhere in Oregon. Producer responsibility organizations (PROs) must register, fund local recycling services, and meet performance targets. Local governments retain control over collection logistics but cannot exclude materials on the statewide list. The Environmental Quality Commission enforces, and the program took effect July 1, 2025.

Violations & Penalties

Producers operating without a registered producer responsibility organization face civil penalties under ORS 459A.989. Penalties may reach $25,000 per day per violation under DEQ enforcement authority.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a city refuse to accept items on the statewide recycling list?
No. Under ORS 459A.914, materials on the uniform statewide collection list must be accepted by recycling programs throughout Oregon, ensuring residents can recycle the same items everywhere.
Who pays for the new recycling system?
Producers of covered packaging and paper products fund the program through fees paid to a registered Producer Responsibility Organization, reducing the burden on ratepayers and local governments.
Does the Act preempt local recycling rules?
It establishes a statewide floor. Local governments may add additional materials or services, but they cannot remove materials from the uniform collection list.

Sources

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