Packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations are rapidly expanding across the U.S., requiring companies to take financial and operational responsibility for the packaging they put on the market. As of 2025, seven states have enacted packaging laws, with more states preparing to follow. These laws vary in scope, covered products, and compliance timelines, creating complex challenges for producers. Below, we break down the key requirements in each state to help you understand what’s in effect.
As of 2025, seven states have enacted packaging EPR laws: Maryland, Washington, Minnesota, Colorado, California, Oregon, and Maine.
2025 EPR highlights:
SB 901 requires producers of covered materials to participate in a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) or act individually by submitting a producer responsibility plan to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). Producers may not sell, import, or distribute covered materials in Maryland unless operating under an approved plan.
Covered products:
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MDE reviews and approves producer responsibility plans. An advisory council will assist in evaluating plans and program outcomes.
Washington requires producers of certain plastic products to use minimum percentages of post-consumer recycled material in their products, register with the state, and meet escalating recycled content thresholds. Under SB 5284 (the Recycling Reform Act), producers of packaging and paper products must join or form a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) or file their own plan and take responsibility for improving recycling services statewide.
Covered products:
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Oversight is handled by the Washington Department of Ecology. Under RCW 70A.245.020, producers must register (individually or via third-party representatives), pay fees sufficient to cover costs of administration, rulemaking, and enforcement, and submit annual reports. Under SB 5284, the PRO must submit plans, and non-registered producers may be prohibited from selling covered materials.
Producers of packaging, paper products, and food serviceware sold or distributed in Minnesota must participate in a PRO or submit their own plan. By 2032, producers will be responsible for financing and implementing a system to reduce packaging waste and increase recycling and composting. They must also ensure that utilized materials meet reuse, refill, recycling, or composting standards.
Covered products:
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The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will oversee the program. The PRO will collect fees, reimburse service providers, and submit updated stewardship plans every five years.
Producers of packaging and paper products must participate in a producer responsibility program, either by joining the state-appointed PRO or submitting their own approved plan. Producers will fund and help manage a coordinated, statewide recycling system that increases access and recycling rates across Colorado.
Covered products:
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The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment oversees implementation. Circular Action Alliance (CAA) has been appointed as the PRO responsible for managing compliance and system operations.
By 2032, producers must ensure that all single-use packaging and plastic food serviceware sold in California is recyclable or compostable. They are also required to reduce their use of plastic packaging by 25%. At least 65% of single-use plastic packaging and food serviceware must be recycled.
Covered products:
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Producers will join a CalRecycle-approved PRO to carry out compliance. The law also includes an advisory board, periodic needs assessment, and oversight by CalRecycle.
Note: Circular Action Alliance is currently the only state-approved PRO in California
Producers of packaging, paper products, and food serviceware must join a PRO and pay fees that fund statewide recycling improvements. The law aims to modernize Oregon’s recycling system by expanding access, reducing environmental impacts, and increasing transparency.
Covered products:
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DEQ oversees the program and has approved CAA as the PRO to carry out implementation and compliance.
Producers of packaging must fund a statewide stewardship program that shifts recycling and waste management costs from municipalities to producers. Producers will pay fees based on the type and amount of packaging supplied into Maine.
Covered products:
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Managing EPR for packaging across multiple states means navigating evolving rules, shifting reporting schedules, and rising costs. With data scattered across systems and deadlines looming, manual reporting becomes time-consuming and error-prone, increasing the risk of missed obligations.
Our EPR solution streamlines compliance by:
With Source Intelligence, you stay ahead of shifting state requirements while reducing the risk of penalties and costly rework. Our automated workflows replace manual processes, freeing your teams from administrative burdens and ensuring accurate, audit-ready reporting. Instead of scrambling to keep up, you gain a scalable system that keeps compliance on track and empowers you to focus on long-term sustainability goals.
Learn more about how our solution can help you manage your EPR compliance with less risk.