Packaging waste has become a significant global concern due to its environmental impact, leading to a growing trend towards sustainable packaging practices. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that is gaining traction worldwide to address this issue. EPR shifts the responsibility for the end-of-life disposal of products and packaging from consumers and local governments to producers. By adopting EPR programs, producers are incentivized to design more eco-friendly packaging, promote recycling, and take responsibility for the entire life cycle of their products.
While many countries and regions have established or are in the process of implementing EPR regulations, this article focuses on the EPR packaging regulatory framework in the United States.
Overview
Currently, the United States does not have a federal EPR law. Instead, EPR initiatives are developed and implemented at the state level. States such as Maine, Oregon, and Washington have enacted legislation requiring producers to take responsibility for managing packaging waste. Though details and timelines vary, these laws share common goals: to boost recycling rates, reduce landfill waste, and foster innovation in sustainable packaging design.
