Extending Responsibilities

The Role of Producer Responsibility Organizations

The Plastic Recycling Podcast With Resa Dimino

Key Takeaways from the Discussion

In our discussion on the Plastic Recycling Podcast, we explored the intricacies of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a policy approach that requires producers to take responsibility for their products and packaging at the end of their useful life. EPR places the onus on brand owners—the decision-makers regarding product packaging—rather than the manufacturers of the packaging materials. This policy aims to enhance recycling by bringing producers’ resources to bear to improve programs, infrastructure, and education. They typically work through a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) Producers pay fees to the PRO, which uses those fees to fund and improve recycling services, processes, and facilities. The PRO also ensures compliance with recycling targets and creates a level playing field among producers, preventing cost-shifting and underreporting.

Despite EPR's potential to boost recycling rates, challenges remain, particularly the limited access to recycling services in the U.S. EPR seeks to standardize and expand access, making recycling as straightforward as waste disposal. Leading states like Maine, Oregon, Colorado, California, and most recently, Minnesota are at the forefront of implementing EPR for packaging, with significant program enhancements expected between 2025 and 2027. The future of recycling hinges on mandatory EPR systems, as voluntary efforts alone are insufficient for substantially improving recycling rates.