The EPR is an environmental policy approach that intends to hold brand owners, licensees, importers, and distributors accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, especially the take-back, recycling, and final disposal. This strategy aims to incentivize producers to design environmentally friendly products by making them responsible for the costs associated with the end-of-life management of their products.
Several U.S. states have enacted EPR laws targeting packaging or packaging and printed paper materials. As of April 2025, states including Washington, Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado, and Minnesota have passed such legislation, with a Maryland bill the latest to be signed into law, and two bills under consideration in New York. These laws vary in scope and implementation timelines, but they collectively signify a shift towards producer accountability in waste management.
How will EPR impact you?