It’s official: Circular Action Alliance will serve as the producer responsibility organization in Washington as the state works to launch its extended producer responsibility for packaging law that passed in 2025. Producers have until July 1 to register with CAA.
This builds on CAA’s list of state appointments, which includes California, Colorado, Maryland, Minnesota and Oregon.
“Drawing on our experience implementing EPR programs in multiple states, we are focused on delivering practical, consistent solutions that work for Washington’s recycling system,” said Jeff Fielkow, CEO of Circular Action Alliance, in a statement.
Additionally, the Washington Department of Ecology approved Interchange 360 to operate an alternative collection program for producers of lubricant, petroleum and automotive packaging. The nonprofit group is also active in Colorado.
Washington’s Recycling Reform Act, which received support from brand groups, establishes an EPR program for most kinds of paper and packaging. It aims to expand curbside recycling service for hundreds of thousands of households in the state. CAA would begin implementing a program plan come 2030, with reimbursements for recyclers starting at 50% and growing to 90% come 2032.
The state’s Department of Ecology has been in the early stages of implementing the law. A 19-member advisory council formed in January, as required under the law. Here’s what comes next: Note 1
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July 1, 2026Producers must be members of a PRO or register as PRO that will implement an individual plan
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Sept. 1, 2026PRO must submit one-time payment to Ecology
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October 2026Ecology develops initial statewide collection lists
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December 2026/December 2027Ecology publishes preliminary statewide needs assessment, and then second needs assessment
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August/October 2028PRO submits draft program plan to the advisory council, and then to the department
