05.20.2025
Washington Joins the EPR Movement: What Producers Need to Know
On May 17, 2025, Washington became the seventh U.S. state to enact Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation for packaging, with Governor Bob Ferguson signing SB 5284—the Recycling Reform Act—into law. As the latest step in the growing national shift toward producer accountability, this law introduces major new obligations for businesses that place covered packaging and paper materials on the Washington market.
Key Dates and Deadlines
Here’s a snapshot of critical milestones for covered producers:
- January 1, 2026 – PRO(s) and advisory council must be appointed
- July 1, 2026 – Deadline for producers to join a PRO
- September 1, 2026 – Producers must submit their first annual PRO registration fee to the state.
- October 1, 2028 – PRO submits plan for approval
- December 31, 2026 – A preliminary needs assessment is due, forming the basis for future performance targets and collection planning.
- January 1, 2030 – Full program implementation begins
Why This Matters To You As A Producer
This law represents a significant shift for brands, importers, and manufacturers operating in the United States. Non-compliance risks include financial penalties, loss of access to the Washington market, and reputational damage.
How Evnia Can Help
With 20 years of expertise in environmental compliance and ecofee reporting across North America, Evnia is your trusted EPR partner. We take the complexity out of compliance with a full-service, turnkey approach tailored to your business.
We help you:
- Understand your obligations in Washington and across the U.S.
- Collect, analyze, and report accurate supply data
- Navigate exemptions and optimize your packaging strategies
- Ensure timely and accurate filings to avoid penalties
- Register with the appropriate PRO(s)
Switch on Evnia’s expertise. Let us help you see clearly through the evolving EPR landscape—because peace of mind and compliance should go hand in hand.
Contact us for personalized support.
