Extended producer responsibility (EPR) policy for packaging and paper products
The Partnership on Waste and Energy (PWE), a collaborative effort of Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties, partnered with many others to get an EPR bill for packaging and paper products for Minnesota passed in the 2024 legislative session. The policy was developed to meet the interests of residents, communities and companies and will prevent waste, increase recycling and save local governments millions of dollars.
The Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act will:
Learn more about the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act
Review the Partnership on Waste and Energy’s overview
About EPR
EPR policies hold producers (mainly consumer brands) responsible for their products and packaging throughout the entire lifecycle – from product design all the way through to reuse, recycling or safe disposal.
EPR for packaging across the U.S.
Minnesota is the fifth state to pass a law on EPR for packaging and paper products in the U.S. The first four laws were passed in Oregon and Maine in 2021 and in Colorado and California in 2022.
With recycling costs rising, stagnant recycling rates and consumer pressure mounting for brands to take action, momentum for producer responsibility bills for packaging and paper products has steadily grown. Since 2019, over a dozen U.S. states have introduced legislation on producer responsibility for packaging.
Passing packaging EPR policy in Minnesota
In 2022, PWE initiated a process to develop a Minnesota-specific bill to establish extended producer responsibility for packaging and paper products. PWE convened a committee with representatives from local government, the state, the packaging industry and environmental groups. The committee, facilitated by the Product Stewardship Institute, met 11 times over 18 months to develop elements for the bill. Extensive engagement with dozens of other interested parties supplemented the work of the committee to develop a bill that would work for Minnesota.
A bill was introduced during the 2024 legislative session by Rep. Sydney Jordan and Sen. Kelly Morrison. The Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act passed as a result of wide-ranging efforts to build broad support. The Governor signed the bill into law on May 19, 2024.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will provide oversight of implementation of the law by a Producer Responsibility Organization representing all companies that introduce packaging and paper products into the state, with input from an Advisory Board representing packaging and waste management industries, local government and community organizations.
Timeline of Implementation
January 1, 2025
Appointment of initial Producer Responsibility Organization
Appointment of Advisory Board
Registration of Service Providers
March 1, 2025
First Advisory Board Meeting
December 31, 2025
Preliminary Assessment completed
December 31, 2026
Needs Assessment completed
July 1, 2028
Statewide “curbside” collection list and Alternative collection list developed
Statewide Requirements to be set (assumed, date not set in statute)
October 1, 2028
First Plan from the Producer Responsibility Organization submitted for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency review and approval
February 1, 2029
Service providers eligible for 50% reimbursement of program costs
February 1, 2030
Service providers eligible for 75% reimbursement of program costs
February 1, 2031
Service providers eligible for no less than 90% reimbursement of program costs
If you have questions about this effort, or would like to request a presentation, please email us at info@reducepackagingmn.org.
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