Weekly Policy Pickup
May 7
This week, I’m tracking a bill in Colorado that seeks to address the debate over how to hold hearings for producers who want to appeal their extended producer responsibility fees. Other big news this week: Permanent packaging extended producer responsibility regulations in California.
And now, policy:
Bill Updates
In Colorado, SB 192 was introduced. It reaffirms the ability of the state packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) advisory board to hold hearings for products who disagree with the dues assessed to them. The process came under legal question, prompting a legislative fix.
In Illinois, SB 3915 moved into committee. It would create an EPR program for household hazardous waste.
In New York, SB 1464 / AB 1749 were amended significantly. They would create an EPR program for packaging. The American Forest & Paper Association opposes the amendments, just as it opposes the bills overall.
In Pennsylvania, SB 1317 was introduced. It would alter the current electronics recycling program.
In Rhode Island, H 8498 was introduced. It would repeal the current EPR program for mattresses.
In Rhode Island, H 8499 was introduced. It would repeal the current EPR program for paint.
In Tennessee, SB 1793 was sent to the governor on April 30. It would require certain state departments to file annual reports on recycling.
Rulemaking News
In California, permanent regulations for the state’s packaging EPR story were approved.
From our sponsor:
EPR Enforcement: Fines, Fees, Penalties
Join RLG for a webinar and learn how EPR enforcement actions, like fines and penalties, are playing out across North America.
Program Updates
The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) added 14 uncoated paperboard items manufactured by Better Earth to the list of approved food service packaging under SB 1335: Six clamshells, seven plates, and one tray.
Nationally, Circular Action Alliance opened a public comment period on a draft Certification Standard for Responsible Markets, aiming to align standards across the U.S.
Hard-to-Categorize News
Business leaders in the European Union are asking the European Commission to postpone the enforcement of the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, in order to get more clarification on certain areas of the wide-reaching legislation.
Looking Forward
In California, CalRecycle will hold an informal public workshop on covered battery-embedded recycling fees on May 26.
In Washington, the state Department of Environmental Quality will hold the first of five rulemaking meetings for its packaging EPR program on May 27. The draft language covered in the first meeting will be available for public comment from May 13 through June 24.
–Marissa Heffernan
