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The materials reference a July 1, 2026 date as a key compliance milestone (registration obligations as described in the draft guidance).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.
Under the UK Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (pEPR) scheme, PackUK (the scheme administrator) has authority from January 1, 2026 to send notices of liability to producers who fail to register or report their packaging data. Producers receiving such notices must demonstrate they are not liable. PackUK can pursue this for up to 4 years after the end of the year in which the producer was considered obligated, extending to 10 years if non-compliance prevented earlier fee calculation. Environmental regulators can also request information from connected organisations.
Indonesia is developing a new Presidential Regulation to elevate its Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, with finalization expected by mid-2026. During a December 23, 2025 discussion at the Antara Heritage Center in Jakarta, the Indonesian Ministry of Environment confirmed that the draft regulation is progressing toward finalization. Currently, producer obligations related to waste reduction are governed by existing regulations, with the new Presidential Regulation expected to strengthen and expand EPR requirements. Companies operating in Indonesia should monitor this development for potential new compliance obligations.
UK government published Year 2 illustrative waste disposal fees under the Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging scheme. The fees introduce eco-modulation using Recycling Assessment Methodology (RAM) with Red/Amber/Green (RAG) ratings: Green fees offer ~9% discount for recyclable materials, Amber represents base rate, and Red fees carry a 20% premium for less recyclable materials (increasing to 2x by Year 4). Confirmed Year 2 fees are expected to be published in June 2026 following the April 1, 2026 reporting deadline.
DAERA urged small businesses to register for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme. Companies in Northern Ireland with annual turnover over £1 million responsible for more than 25 tonnes of packaging annually must record and report packaging data. Businesses must submit nation data for 2025 calendar year by April 1, 2026.
Maryland enacted SB 901 establishing a Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility program, with the Maryland Department of the Environment conducting rulemaking to implement the statute. The law requires producers of packaging materials to participate in a producer responsibility organization (PRO) and submit producer responsibility plans. Producers with less than $2 million in annual revenue are exempt.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality approved Circular Action Alliance (CAA) as the producer responsibility organization for Oregon's extended producer responsibility law for packaging, paper, and food serviceware. The program plan describes CAA's approach to implementing Recycling Modernization Act requirements beginning July 1, 2025, including enhanced recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
LD 1423 proposes amendments to Maine's first-in-the-nation Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging law. The bill would create broad exemptions for product sectors and change the definition of 'toxicity.' Stakeholder testimony indicates concerns that the bill would undermine the existing program, reduce incentives for sustainable packaging, and delay environmental benefits.
Oregon DEQ announced approval of Circular Action Alliance’s (CAA) Producer Responsibility Organization program plan under Oregon’s Recycling Modernization Act/packaging EPR framework. The approved plan governs operational details producers must follow (e.g., how the PRO will implement collection/recycling modernization requirements), with implementation described as beginning July 1, 2025. For compliance teams, this is an official milestone confirming the approved PRO and the operative plan document that underpins producer participation, fees, and reporting/operational expectations during the plan period.
Washington Senate Bill 5284 has been introduced to establish an extended producer responsibility program for covered packaging and paper products. The bill would require producers of covered packaging to participate in a stewardship program and meet recycling targets. As of January 28, 2025, the bill was heard in the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee. If enacted, Washington would become the eighth state with a packaging EPR law, requiring producers to register with a producer responsibility organization and submit producer responsibility plans.
Washington enacted the Recycling Reform Act (Senate Bill 5284, Chapter 70A.208 RCW) in 2025, establishing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for residential packaging and paper products. The law requires producers of covered materials to join and fund a nonprofit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). Starting in 2030, recycling service providers will have most of their costs reimbursed by the PRO.
Maryland enacted Senate Bill 901 establishing a Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program. The law requires certain producers of packaging materials, individually or as part of a producer responsibility organization (PRO), to finance and manage the collection, recycling, and disposal of packaging waste. The program shifts packaging recovery costs from taxpayers to manufacturers.
Connecticut enacted Public Act No. 25-34 establishing Extended Producer Responsibility for consumer batteries. The law defines 'covered battery' as portable or medium format batteries, with specific exclusions for medical device batteries, batteries with free liquid electrolyte, lead acid batteries over 11 pounds, and motor vehicle batteries. Producers of covered batteries will be responsible for end-of-life management.