Hi Everyone,
All eyes are on packaging policy as bills cross statehouses this month. Legislators are working to sharpen the rules governing how products can be marketed as compostable, recyclable or reusable and avoid future deceptive claims.
Meanwhile, California continues to set the pace on EPR legislation. The state has named a PROto lead implementation of its textile EPR law, something worth watching as the program moves from policy to practice.
Have a policy update to share with the Policy Now community? Reach out to the editorial team.
Sincerely,
Stefanie Valentic, Editor, Policy Now
Reporter, Resource Recycling
Policy in progress:
California
The state has officially selected a producer responsibility organization to oversee the implementation of its textile recovery program. Read more here
Georgia
Georgia has introduced HB 1237 for packaging, the first EPR bill to be introduced in 2026. The bill would also establish a deposit return system in the state.
Massachusetts
The state is placing a focus on deceptive packaging claims with HB4810.
Minnesota
Minnesota has completed a preliminary needs assessment, an early step on the path to implementing its extended producer responsibility (EPR) law for packaging.
Oklahoma
The state has introduced HB4068 targeting environmentally-related marketing claims on packaging and clarifies recyclability of products.
New Jersey
State legislators have refiled AB3552 regarding packaging recyclability, a companion bill to SB630.
New York
SB 420, which focuses on plastics recyclability, was sent to the Senate Finance Committee.
Wisconsin
SB 778 failed to advance through the Senate. The bill focused on packaging recycling and reduction.
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Plastics sector update:
How will 2026 unfold for plastics recycling?
What I expected to be a year of opportunity for plastics recycling in 2025 did not materialize. These 5 factors will shape 2026, underpinned by recyclers’ resiliency and perseverance. Read more here
Policies push packaging beyond its comfort zone
Recycling challenges go beyond the inevitable “ick” factor, which is simply part of the territory. Items have to get in the bin to get recycled, so initiatives need to focus on how to sort and recycle as much as possible. Read more here
State policy is redefining plastics recycling
This year marks the midpoint of a decade defined by major shifts in plastics and recycling policy. Here’s what to expect through the rest of the 2020s. Read more here
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Other legislative news
Bipartisan reps introduce bill on recycling claims
Nebraska awards $7m in recycling grants
