Oregon DEQ approved Circular Action Alliance’s amendment on responsible end markets this month, clearing a key step for enforcing the state’s packaging EPR recycling rules in 2026.
The update sets a benchmarking process for third-party certifications and CAA verifications, revises some performance criteria, and allows a variance for glass furnace self-attestation and verification.
CAA said it is now developing guidance, timelines and documentation for a phased rollout, while also weighing technical assistance needs as audits begin.
Responsible end-market rules became a centerpiece of Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act after China’s 2017 National Sword policy disrupted recyclers and sharpened scrutiny of downstream environmental and worker-safety risks.
CAA is also pursuing a national verification standard across the 7 states with packaging EPR laws, which could eventually let end-market entities complete one audit every 3 years instead of separate state reviews.
With more states creating unique recycling laws, will a national standard prevent a compliance nightmare for American businesses?
As the US recycled plastics market collapses, can Oregon’s new rules actually save its recycling system from failure?