The Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) in Oregon results from a multi-year effort to modernize the state's recycling system. The framework was developed between 2018 and 2020, following international recycling market disruptions (National Sword) in 2017-2018. Senate Bill 582, which officially created the RMA, was signed into law in 2021 and went into effect on January 1, 2022.
The RMA is a shared responsibility model, which shifts some of the financial burden of recycling to producers of covered products. Producers of packaging and printed paper are required to join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) and pay fees to support the recycling system. The Act aims to improve recycling through a variety of initiatives, such as a consistent statewide collection list, more collection depots, standardized educational materials, and new standards for material processing and contamination.
The RMA impacts producers, PROs, local governments, service providers and their customers, and recycling processing facilities. Cities with populations of 4,000 or more have additional requirements such as:
- Collecting materials from on-route customers at least monthly
- Implementing new contamination reduction programs
- Using PRO educational resources
- Providing services to multi-tenant properties.
Funding will also be available for populations of less than 4000 if they choose to implement - this can include:
- Contamination reduction programming
- Transportation
- Expansion if the jurisdiction completed a needs assessment
According to the DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality), Oregon has 87 cities with populations over 4000, 81 of which already provide on-route recycling collection. For the remaining cities that need to set up services, the implementation date of July 1, 2025 is flexible if the ability to collect materials is contingent on the PRO funding.
Service providers may be responsible for implementing new RMA requirements as part of their contracts with local governments. Producers must join a PRO and pay fees for new educational materials, transportation, contamination reduction, and processing. Each of these groups plays a crucial part in implementing the new recycling system in Oregon.
[Note to reader, the roadmap below describes PROs as the legislation technically allows for multiple PROs to exist within the state, at the current moment Circular Action Alliance (CAA) is the only designated PRO operating in Oregon, producers should reach out to them here: if not already registered]
Here's a timeline of what to expect in 2025 with the implementation of of the RMA:
- Spring 2025: Local Government Funding Authorization forms are due to DEQ.
- July 1, 2025:
Producers must join a PRO and begin paying fees.
Processors must obtain the necessary permits or certifications.
PROs will start implementing their approved plans.
PRO funding becomes available which can be used for system expansion, contamination reduction, and transportation.
July 2025 to December 2027: The first program plan will be in effect. During this period, projects outlined in the needs assessment, and delineated in funding agreements negotiated with CAA will be funded by PROs.
Phasing-in of new collection: If a local government cannot collect new materials by July 1, 2025, due to the need for PRO funding to get started, they can request a phase-in of new collection after that date.
Initial compensation: Local governments might expect to receive initial compensation shortly after July 1, 2025, for contamination reduction programming and transportation of materials to processors.
Ongoing: Throughout 2025, CAA proposes to negotiate details with local governments and their service providers.
As stated above, the RMA includes goals for contamination reduction in recycling, and provides funding for local governments to implement programs to achieve these goals. The PRO is required to create educational materials for local governments to use in their outreach efforts.The DEQ will establish a list of contamination reduction programs that local governments can choose from, intended to engage communities directly. Local governments and their service providers are also required to implement new contamination reduction programs starting July 2025. Additionally, the PRO is responsible for funding contamination evaluations, especially when the evaluation does not occur at a recycling processor. The RMA aims to improve recycling by managing contamination at every step, as well as by providing funding and resources for education.
In summary, the RMA is a comprehensive approach to enhancing Oregon’s recycling system, with a focus on shifting responsibilities to producers and supporting local governments. With the phased implementation starting in 2025, key goals include improving collection practices, reducing contamination, and ensuring better educational outreach across the state. The act provides financial support to local governments to implement necessary programs and expand services. As producers and service providers work alongside PROs, Oregon aims to create a more efficient and sustainable recycling system that benefits both the environment and the communities it serves.
