Updated guidance on the closed loop packaging waste exemption under the UK's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging scheme. The update includes changes to the page title, the process for registering for closed loop packaging waste, registration fees, and registration deadlines. The regulations are now in force, allowing producers managing closed loop recycling systems to apply for exemption from standard EPR disposal fees.
The U.S. EPA updated its Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework webpage (last updated May 12, 2026) describing ongoing development—alongside the U.S. Department of Energy—of a voluntary national battery EPR framework (mandated for development under federal infrastructure legislation). While not a binding regulation, the framework can influence state EPR program design and producer stewardship expectations (e.g., reporting, collection models, financing, performance goals). Battery producers and downstream manufacturers should track framework evolution and engagement opportunities as it may shape future EPR alignment and market expectations.
CalRecycle updated/maintains producer-facing guidance for California’s SB 54 packaging EPR program stating that SB 54 regulations are effective May 1, 2026, and that producers must take a required compliance action by June 1, 2026 (e.g., apply for participation in a PRO plan, submit an independent producer application, or seek a small-producer exemption, as described on the guidance page). Compliance teams selling covered packaging/single-use food service ware into California should align internal readiness and submissions to the May 1, 2026 effective date and the June 1, 2026 action deadline outlined by CalRecycle.
CalRecycle’s SB 54 Producer Guidance communicates the producer compliance pathway and reiterates near-term timing tied to SB 54 regulations becoming effective May 1, 2026. The guidance indicates producers have until June 1, 2026 to take one of the required compliance actions (e.g., join a PRO plan, submit an independent producer application, or claim a small producer exemption) and references use of CalRecycle’s portal (PEPRS) for submissions (e.g., baseline/annual reporting and related program deliverables). Compliance teams should treat this as regulator guidance for immediate onboarding and submission readiness under SB 54.
Under UK Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging, the first mandatory report is for 2026 data and is due by April 1, 2027. Organizations must collect nation data showing where packaging is supplied and discarded within the UK. This represents the first full mandatory reporting year under the UK packaging EPR framework following the initial interim reporting periods.
The UK government updated its official guidance page explaining who is affected by packaging EPR and what regulated entities must do (update date April 20, 2026). This guidance is used operationally by producers and compliance schemes to interpret obligations such as registration, ongoing status changes (e.g., notifying the regulator if you stop being a producer), and use of compliance scheme registers. Compliance teams should review the updated guidance and adjust internal procedures and communications with compliance schemes accordingly.
GOV.UK updated its guidance on how obligated producers must collect and manage packaging data for the UK packaging EPR scheme. The update reiterates recordkeeping and evidence-retention expectations (including multi-year retention) and explains how reporting timelines vary by producer size. It also flags compliance consequences: from 1 Jan 2026, PackUK may issue a notice of liability where it believes an obligated producer has not registered and/or reported, including described lookback periods. Compliance teams should confirm internal data controls, retention processes, and timely registration/reporting readiness for 2026.
Colorado CDPHE indicates it is proposing changes to its solid waste regulations to update (inflation-adjust) the dollar threshold used to exempt producers from Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program. If adopted, the change could shift which producers are exempt vs. obligated (registration/participation, reporting, and dues). Compliance teams should monitor the rulemaking materials referenced on CDPHE’s program page and assess whether exemption status may change with the updated threshold.
The European Commission published comprehensive guidelines for the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) implementation on March 30, 2026. The guidance clarifies when a company is considered a manufacturer or producer, which items constitute packaging, restrictions on single-use packaging, Extended Producer Responsibility obligations, and Deposit Return System requirements. PPWR enters general application on August 12, 2026.
The UK government has appointed UK Packaging PRO as the producer-led Producer Responsibility Organisation to deliver the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging scheme. The PRO will work alongside PackUK (scheme administrator) to manage producer obligations, fee collection, and waste management responsibilities. Producers must register with the PRO to comply with EPR requirements. The PRO represents over 100 UK brands, retailers, and trade bodies and will invest approximately £1.4 billion in Year 1 of the scheme.
PackUK has published its first Producer Fee Modulation Policy Statement for the UK's packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) scheme. The policy establishes a 3-year framework adjusting producer fees based on packaging recyclability assessed through the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) using RAG ratings. Starting from the 2026-2027 financial year, the policy applies escalating modulation factors (1.2x in Year 1, 1.6x in Year 2, 2.0x in Year 3) to incentivize sustainable packaging design.
PackUK has published the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) 2027, establishing the standardized methodology that large producers obligated under the UK Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging scheme must use to assess and report the recyclability of household packaging they supply for the 2027 reporting year (January 1 to December 31, 2027). RAM 1.1 continues to apply for the 2026 reporting period. The methodology incentivizes use of more recyclable materials by making producers incur higher disposal costs under the EPR scheme if less recyclable materials are used.
PackUK’s producer disposal fees modulation statement (updated 17 Feb 2026) sets the method for modulating household packaging waste disposal fees based on recyclability ratings (RAM red/amber/green). It confirms modulation begins in year 2, with the first modulated fees applying to assessment year 2026–2027 and calculated using 2025 supplied packaging data. The statement provides modulation factors (e.g., red factors increasing across 2026–27 to 2028–29) and explains the premium/discount redistribution mechanism (red premiums funding green discounts; amber unchanged), including treatment details for certain packaging types (e.g., medical packaging). Producers should prepare packaging design/recyclability strategies and data readiness aligned to the 2025 data year feeding 2026–27 fees.
An Oregon court dismissed multiple claims against the state's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which establishes extended producer responsibility requirements for packaging. The judicial decision supports continued implementation of the EPR program, reinforcing regulatory certainty for producers subject to Oregon's packaging producer responsibility obligations.
Maryland MDE posted proposed “Packaging and Paper Products – Producer Responsibility” regulations (COMAR 26.04.14) for review and comment (published in the Maryland Register on Feb 6, 2026) with a stated public comment deadline of March 9, 2026. MDE also published a draft compliance guide/FAQs addressing initial implementation focus such as producer/brand registration, covered/exempt materials, definitions, and recordkeeping. The materials reference a July 1, 2026 date as a key compliance milestone (registration obligations as described in the draft guidance). Compliance teams should (1) evaluate whether they are an obligated producer for covered packaging/paper products in Maryland, (2) prepare to register by July 1, 2026 if the proposal proceeds as drafted, and (3) submit comments to MDE by March 9, 2026 if changes are needed.
CalRecycle opened a 15-day written comment period on permanent regulations implementing the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54). Comments accepted January 29, 2026 through February 13, 2026. The regulations establish producer registration, reporting, and fee requirements for packaging and single-use plastic food service ware under California's EPR framework.
CalRecycle announced that SB 54 permanent regulations would be published for an additional 15-day public comment period, running from January 29, 2026 through February 13, 2026. For affected producers and PROs, this provides a defined window to review changes to the draft regulations and submit feedback that could affect final compliance mechanics and timelines under California’s packaging EPR program.
EPA updated its official page on the national Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework (developed with the U.S. Department of Energy pursuant to Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act direction). The update summarizes framework-development scope (goals, cost structures, reporting, collection models, transportation, design considerations) and lists stakeholder engagement activities such as an upcoming virtual roundtable. While not a binding regulation, this is an official federal guidance/framework-development signal that may influence future federal or state battery EPR program design and harmonization expectations.
EPA updated its Extended Battery Producer Responsibility (EPR) Framework webpage (page shows a last updated date of January 8, 2026), describing EPA’s ongoing development of a national battery EPR framework and related stakeholder engagement activities. While not a binding rule, the update is relevant for battery producers and stewardship organizations as it signals federal policy direction that may influence harmonization expectations across state battery EPR/stewardship programs.
PackUK published its operational plan for 2026-2027 setting out priorities, forecasts, methodologies, planned activities, and performance indicators for the EPR for packaging scheme. The plan covers notices of liability issuance, fee calculations using LAPCAP methodology, and the first year of modulated fees based on recyclability.