The Environmental Quality Commission, the governing body for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), has adopted rules to implement the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, marking a significant update to Oregon’s recycling system in the US.
The initiative is set to expand access to recycling services, enhance the facilities that sort recyclables, and create environmental benefits while mitigating social and environmental harms, including plastic pollution.
The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which has been in the pipeline since the Oregon State Legislature passed Senate Bill 582 in 2021, will now be put into action.
The new rules outline clear requirements for producers, a newly established non-profit producer responsibility organisation, local governments, and recycling processors.
Among the key features of the adopted rules are performance standards for recycling sorting facilities in Oregon and the establishment of fees to support investments in the state’s recycling processing infrastructure.
DEQ director Leah Feldon said: “Oregon has long been recognised as a leader in recycling.
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“The Recycling Modernization Act will make recycling easier for households and bring greater transparency and accountability to the system, so people and businesses know when they set something out for recycling it actually gets safely recycled.”
The modernisation of Oregon’s recycling system is being funded largely by producers and manufacturers of paper and packaging.
They are tasked with bearing the costs of these necessary improvements, ensuring that recycling efforts in Oregon are not only successful but also financially sustainable.
DEQ Materials Management Program manager Cheryl Grabham said: “The new rules set a solid foundation for important updates to Oregon’s recycling system.
“Combined with many other milestones achieved, we are primed for a successful rolling launch to bring modern, convenient, responsible recycling to Oregon.”
