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Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Resources

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are expanding rapidly across the United States, with significant implications for envelope manufacturers and mailers. This page provides up-to-date resources to help EMA members track legislation, understand compliance obligations, and connect with the leading organizations working on EPR policy and implementation.

EPR State Legislation Status: Paper & Packaging

EMA Foundation — Institute for Environmental Studies | Paper & packaging EPR only | Updated August 10, 2026 | Hover states for details

Live / ActiveProgram in effect. Obligations apply now.
Live — Active litigation ⚠Program in effect with significant legal challenge underway.
Enacted — RulemakingLaw passed; regulations being developed.
PendingActive legislation, not yet enacted.
No current activityNo enacted or pending EPR law.
⚠ Oregon — Decision imminent: Five-day federal bench trial (NAW v. Feldon) concluded July 13–17, 2026. Judge Simon has stated a decision will be issued by end of August 2026. This is the first federal court to test the constitutionality of a state EPR law on a full evidentiary record — outcome could reshape producer obligations nationwide. Program remains fully in effect for all non-NAW producers.
⚠ Colorado — Two active lawsuits: ILMA v. CDPHE (Denver District Court, March 12, 2026) and NAW v. Ryan (U.S. District Court, July 30, 2026, with preliminary injunction motion pending). Program fully in effect for all producers — no injunction granted in either case.
⚠ California — Multiple proceedings: NAW federal lawsuit + 17 Republican AGs lawsuit + Earth Island Institute/Californians Against Waste intervention. All compliance deadlines remain in effect. Producer registration was due June 1; baseline data due July 1; program starts January 1, 2027.

Map current as of August 2026. EMA updates this map periodically.

EPR laws vary significantly by state in terms of covered products, fee structures, registration requirements, and compliance timelines. Looking for state-specific information? Check out the EMA Foundation’s Extended Producer Responsibility resources here.

Partner Resources

The following organizations provide authoritative, regularly updated information on EPR policy, legislation, and compliance.

American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)
AF&PA is EMA’s primary industry partner on EPR policy and tracks developments closely on behalf of the broader paper and packaging sector.

The Recycling Partnership
A national nonprofit focused on improving recycling systems across the U.S., with policy tools and EPR-specific resources.

Product Stewardship Institute (PSI)
The leading U.S. nonprofit for EPR policy research and advocacy. PSI maintains an EPR Laws Map covering 146 laws across 35 states and 21 product categories — the most comprehensive public tracking resource available.

Circular Action Alliance (CAA)
The designated Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) for California, Colorado, Oregon, Minnesota, and Maryland. CAA provides state-specific resources, compliance guidance, and email update subscriptions for producers navigating EPR obligations in those states.

AMERIPEN EPR Policy Page

PRINTING United Alliance – State of Paper and Packaging EPR Laws in the U.S.

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