OREGON’S RECYCLING LAW BRINGS NEW RULES FOR GROWERS SELLING INTO THE STATE

Starting July 1, 2025, Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act goes into effect—bringing big changes to how consumer packaging is managed in the state. For Washington’s potato and onion growers who sell into Oregon, especially in retail settings, the law introduces new compliance, reporting, and cost obligations.  At its core, Oregon’s law establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for packaging, paper, and food service ware. This means anyone who puts branded consumer packaging into Oregon’s residential marketplace must pay into the system and help fund a statewide recycling program.

If you package or sell potatoes or onions in:

• Plastic mesh or poly bags
• Paper or waxed cardboard boxes
• Plastic containers or clamshells
• Film, tape, or shrink wrap
  and those packages reach Oregon consumers (e.g., grocery chains, farm stands, CSA boxes), you’re likely subject to the new rules.

Washington-based growers, packers, shippers, or marketing groups selling into Oregon will likely qualify as "producers" under the law.

Here’s what that means:

• You must join a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) or submit your own compliance plan (not recommended for small/medium operations).
• You’ll be required to report your packaging types and volumes used in 2024.
• You’ll start paying material-based fees on July 1, 2025. These fees fund Oregon’s recycling system and are based on recyclability, weight, and material type.
• You may need to adjust packaging choices to avoid higher fees tied to hard-to-recycle materials.

Growers using recyclable paper bags or approved plastics will likely see lower fees than those using multilayer films or non-recyclable materials. As of June 2025, the only approved PRO in Oregon is Circular Action Alliance (CAA).  Website: https://www.circularactionalliance.org, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you have questions about the law, please email Oregon DEQ: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.