Washington Passes Packaging EPR Law
On May 17, 2025, Washington’s Governor Bob Ferguson signed SB 5284 into law, marking the state’s entry into the world of packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This law makes Washington the seventh state in the U.S.—and the final one on the West Coast—to adopt EPR for packaging.
This pivotal legislation aims to create a more efficient and effective recycling infrastructure while holding producers accountable for their packaging waste. For brands and manufacturers, this represents both a significant milestone and a call to action.
The Key Details Brands Need to Know
With the passage of the Recycling Reform Act, businesses producing paper and packaging must now adapt to new rules designed to improve sustainability. Here’s what you need to know to stay compliant:
Implementation Deadlines
- January 1, 2026: Producers must appoint a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) and join as members by July 1, 2026.
- December 31, 2026: The Department of Ecology will complete a statewide recycling needs assessment, creating clear local guidelines to improve services.
- Failure to register with a PRO by March 1, 2029, will result in enforcement actions, including restrictions on introducing covered materials into the state.
Key Actions for Producers
- Appoint a PRO: Producers must join a PRO to fulfill their EPR obligations.
- Data Reporting: Manufacturers must provide detailed data on the volume and recycling quality of their packaging materials. This will require producers to gather and aggregate packaging data.
- Financial Contributions: Brands will pay PRO membership fees and contribute to the costs of recycling infrastructure improvements.
- Adapt Packaging Strategies: Through policies of eco-modulation, producers that incorporate key sustainability characteristics into their packaging will see reduced EPR fees.
Staying ahead of these requirements is essential to ensuring smooth compliance and avoiding potential fines.
How RLG Can Help Producers Comply with EPR
Navigating EPR laws as a business can feel overwhelming, especially with tight timelines and rigorous guidelines. That’s where RLG comes in. Our comprehensive services are designed to help brands of any size simplify compliance and focus on what they do best.
1. EPR Impact Analysis
We assess how regulations like Washington’s EPR law impact your packaging design and financial planning. Our team will identify your obligations and craft a clear action plan to ensure compliance. Learn more about RLG’s EPR Impact Analysis.
2. Packaging Data Collection and Management
RLG handles the complexities of packaging data collection, helping you track and report critical metrics such as material composition, volumes, and recycling rates.
Learn more about packaging EPR data collection and management.
3. Reporting and Financial Services
We ensure your business stays financially and operationally compliant by managing required payments and filings. From budgeting to reporting, RLG takes the pressure off your team.
4. Horizon Scanning
Stay ahead of the curve with our future-focused capabilities. We keep track of upcoming legislative changes and provide strategic insights to help you prepare for what’s next.
Partnering with a trusted provider like RLG ensures compliance with confidence and sets your business up for success in an increasingly eco-conscious world.
Learn more about Horizon Scanning.
Take the First Step Toward EPR Compliance Today
The new Washington law reinforces the growing momentum of EPR regulations across the U.S., making it clear that the future of production is sustainable. Don’t wait until deadlines approach to take action.
Book a call with one of RLG’s EPR experts today and learn how we can help you simplify compliance and focus on growth in this exciting new era of responsible manufacturing.
