States · WA
Washington packaging EPR
Recycling Reform Act (2025). Facts last checked October 31, 2026.
The short answer
Washington’s Recycling Reform Act, passed in 2025, requires producers of residential packaging, paper products and food serviceware to join and fund a producer responsibility organization. Circular Action Alliance (CAA) fills that role. Reporting is simplified for now, and the full program is expected by 2030.
| Law | Recycling Reform Act, passed 2025 |
|---|---|
| State agency | Department of Ecology |
| Producer responsibility organization | CAA, announced by Ecology March 4, 2026 |
| Registration deadline | Producers had to register with a PRO by July 1, 2026 |
| 2026 report | Simplified interim report on 2025 data, due May 31, 2026 |
| Next report | Annual reporting to CAA; 2027 date not yet published by CAA (as of October 31, 2026) |
| Fees | CAA has published a 2027 early fee schedule |
| Program start | Implementation expected by 2030 |
Who counts as a producer in Washington?
Usually the brand owner of the packaged product. Where there is no brand owner in the state’s chain, the definitions move to the licensee, importer or first distributor, and retailers are producers for their private-label goods. Each state’s law defines it a little differently, and CAA publishes producer-definition guidance for each state. You decide whether you’re a producer, with your counsel if you like; our free EPR Check lays the rule text next to your figures.
Sources
We summarize public sources and may miss a later change. This is general information, not legal advice.