CAA Releases First Oregon Annual Report for Packaging EPR Program
Earlier this year, The Dalles became the first Oregon community to expand curbside recycling access using producer funding available through the state’s Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).
Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Oregon today released its first annual report on the state’s paper and packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, highlighting how producer-funded investments are beginning to roll out across the recycling system. New collection sites, equipment and support for local recycling programs are expanding across Oregon under the state’s EPR law.
Launched on July 1, 2025, the program was established under Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA). Under the law, CAA designs and implements the DEQ-approved program plan to meet statutory requirements, with producers funding program costs and DEQ providing regulatory oversight.
In the program’s first six months, producer-funded investments began rolling out statewide, including expanded access to recycling services, new infrastructure, and funding to support local governments and service providers.
“Producer funds are already being put to work across Oregon, from new recycling carts and collection equipment to expanded access points and local program support,” said Kim Holmes, Executive Director of CAA Oregon. “This report shows how those investments are taking shape across the system.”
The report highlights key milestones achieved in the first six months of implementation:
Expanded access to recycling statewide
- 20 new RecycleOn Centers opened
- More than 605,000 Oregonians now live within 15 miles of one of these sites
New investments in local recycling systems
- More than 42,000 recycling carts and 12 collection trucks funded
Strong participation from producers
- More than 2,900 producers are participating
- Over 409,000 tons of materials reported
Recycling activity and system performance
- More than 144,000 tons of recyclables processed in six months
- More than 18,800 tons of glass recycled
Statewide public education and outreach
- Campaigns reached 89% of Oregon adults
- Materials provided in 12 languages
Together, these investments reflect early implementation of the program across Oregon, from expanded access to improvements in system operations and performance.
Supporting local communities
CAA is deploying producer funding across the recycling system to support local governments, service providers and processing facilities, in line with the requirements of Oregon’s RMA and the DEQ-approved program plan.
Investments include funding for:
- Expanded curbside recycling services and equipment
- New collection infrastructure, including trucks and carts
- Processing improvements to reduce contamination and improve material quality
- Education and outreach to help residents recycle correctly
A foundation year for long-term improvements
The report emphasizes that 2025 was a “build year,” focused on contracts, planning, and initial funding needed to support full system implementation by the end of 2027.
Program costs in 2025 were lower than originally projected because of implementation timelines—not reduced scope—with major investments scheduled to continue rolling out in 2026 and 2027 as contracting and procurement progress.
What’s next for Oregon’s recycling system
As implementation continues, planned program investments include:
- Expanded curbside recycling access in more communities
- Continued growth of the RecycleOn Center network
- Improved sorting, reduced contamination, and increased transparency about where materials go
- Completion of major system investments statewide by the end of 2027.
Accountability and oversight
The program operates under a DEQ-approved plan and is subject to public reporting and regulatory oversight. Producer fees collected in Oregon are used to fund recycling system improvements and operations within the state, consistent with statutory requirements.
To learn more, read the full 2025 Oregon Annual Report at: https://circularactionalliance.org/oregon#reports
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