Where U.S. Packaging EPR Laws Are Active and What Reporting or Registration Is Required

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging is no longer just a concept in the United States — it is now a reality in multiple states. State-level packaging EPR laws shift responsibility for post-consumer packaging management from government and taxpayers to the companies that place that packaging on the market. As these programs continue to roll out, automotive aftermarket businesses with packaged products in multiple states must understand where requirements are active, where reporting deadlines have already occurred, and where registration or upcoming reporting is expected.

Seven States with Enacted Packaging EPR Laws

As of early 2026, seven states have passed comprehensive EPR laws for packaging:

• California

• Colorado

• Maine

• Maryland

• Minnesota

• Oregon

• Washington

Each of these states is at a different implementation stage. Some already require producers to register and report data; others are actively onboarding producers and planning future reporting timelines.

Active Reporting Dates & Known Compliance Milestones

Oregon

Oregon’s Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act is the first operational packaging EPR program in the U.S. Producers were required to submit 2024 packaging data by March 31, 2025, and fee collection began in 2025 as part of its implementation. Similar deadlines for 2025 packaging data reporting are anticipated in spring 2026.

Colorado

Colorado’s Producer Responsibility Program required producers to register with the designated Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) and submit 2024 packaging reports by July 31, 2025. Fee payments to the PRO began on January 1, 2026, and further reporting for 2025 data is expected as the program continues.

California

California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention & Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) includes reporting obligations tied to early years’ packaging data. Producers had reporting deadlines (e.g., November 15, 2025) for earlier calendar year data, and additional reporting obligations to cover 2025 packaging data are part of the state’s evolving implementation timeline.

Maine

Maine continues moving toward active registration and reporting. Under its phased approach, producers are expected to register and submit 2025 packaging data by May 2026, with reporting and fee obligations tied to that data later in 2026.

States with Active Laws but Reporting and Registration Timelines Still Developing

Minnesota

Minnesota’s Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act has passed, and a PRO has been appointed. Producers are required to register, but reporting and fee obligations will unfold over the next few years under its longer implementation timeline.

Maryland

Maryland’s EPR law (SB 901) was signed in 2025 and framework timelines continue to be established, including producer onboarding and future reporting dates.

Washington

Washington’s packaging EPR law (SB 5284) took effect in 2025 and producers are expected to join a PRO and/or register by mid-2026. Specific reporting deadlines are anticipated as plans are approved and implementation continues.

What These Requirements Mean for Automotive Aftermarket Businesses

Because each state’s EPR law has its own timeline, definitions, and compliance steps, businesses operating in multiple states should take a state-by-state approach to readiness:

• Registration: Many states with active EPR laws require producers to register with a designated Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) or state program as a first step.

• Reporting: Oregon, Colorado, and California have already had or currently have reporting deadlines tied to prior year data. Maine’s early reporting obligation is expected in spring 2026.

• Fees and Future Obligations: Following reporting deadlines, many states will tie fee obligations to reported packaging data.

Because definitions of “producer” and “covered packaging” vary by state, companies should evaluate whether packaged products sold in each state trigger registration and reporting obligations under applicable laws.

Other States to Watch

In addition to the seven states with enacted laws, several states are actively working on or considering EPR or needs-assessment legislation. These include states focused on recycling infrastructure assessments or future EPR frameworks, such as Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Illinois — though these have not yet passed comprehensive packaging EPR laws.

Regulatory Note

This overview reflects commonly available information on state packaging EPR laws and reporting timelines as of early 2026. State EPR requirements continue to evolve, and businesses should consult official state resources or regulatory guidance for the latest precise deadlines and compliance obligations.