It is clear that we cannot solve the plastic crisis simply by changing our buying habits or by recycling “better”. We need legislation.
Environmentalists and lawmakers in some states are pushing for legislation that bans single use plastics, and for “bottle bills” which pay customers to bring back their plastic bottles. Oregon and Michigan’s bottle bills have led to successful recycling rates for plastic bottles, but have faced steep resistance from plastic and oil industry lobbyists.
Two bills we can support:
The Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act of 2021 (BFFPPA) builds on successful statewide laws across the U.S. and outlines practical plastic reduction strategies to realize a healthier, more sustainable, and more equitable future. The federal bill, which is sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA), represents the most comprehensive set of policy solutions to the plastic pollution crisis ever introduced in Congress. Find out more and send a letter.
The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act is Oregon’s version of an EPR program, and it was passed by the Oregon legislature in 2021. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs are state bills to make plastic producers more responsible for the waste they create. EPR has been gaining traction as a promising waste management and reduction approach, with California, Colorado, Maine, and Oregon enacting EPR programs for plastic waste in recent years.
This law will modernize Oregon’s recycling system, ensure responsible end markets for recyclables, bring producers in to start bearing some of the costs of the system and bring recycling to even more Oregonians. These big changes will go into effect on July 1, 2025. Learn more here.
Currently, DEQ is undertaking the second of two rule-makings to clarify and implement the PPRMA, proposing new rules on permitting standards and fees for commingled recycling processing facilities; living wages and supportive benefits for facility workers; generator-facing contamination; covered product exemptions; standards for environmental impact evaluation and disclosure; and a waste prevention and reuse fee.
DEQ is asking for public comments and questions through October 28, 2024, at 5 pm PDT. The draft rules and public notice document can be found on the Recycling 2024 rulemaking page, and you can send your comments and questions to: .)
