EPR Laws in the U.S.: What Your Business Needs to Know — and Do Next
Last Updated: May 2025Across the United States, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are redefining how packaging waste is managed—and who pays for it. Traditionally, local governments and taxpayers have shouldered the financial and operational burden of collecting, sorting, and recycling waste. EPR laws change that, shifting responsibility to the companies that manufacture, package, and sell consumer goods.
As more states enact these laws, businesses must prepare to comply—or risk steep penalties. Here’s what you need to know and how to get ready.
What Are EPR Laws?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that makes producers financially and operationally responsible for the waste their products generate. This means that companies will pay fees based on how much packaging they produce—and how sustainable that packaging is.
These fees help fund better recycling infrastructure and waste reduction programs. They also incentivize companies to design more sustainable packaging from the start.
Where Are EPR Laws in Effect?
Seven states—California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington—have already enacted EPR laws. Another wave of legislation is coming in 2025, with Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Tennessee introducing bills.
Each state has its own timeline and compliance requirements, so it’s critical to monitor developments in every market you operate in.
Who Is Affected?
While EPR laws vary by state, EPR broadly applies to:
Domestic and international producers selling products in the U.S.
E-commerce companies that ship products into regulated states.
Importers, distributors, and retailers introducing packaged goods to the market.
If you sell products under your own brand—or facilitate getting those products into consumers’ hands—you could be considered a “producer” under EPR law.
What Will Businesses Be Required to Do?
While the details vary by state, most EPR regulations will require producers to:
Register with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO): These third-party organizations collect fees, manage programs, and report to the state on behalf of producers.
Report packaging data: Companies must track and disclose the volume and type of packaging materials they use.
Pay eco-modulation fees: These are tiered fees based on the recyclability and sustainability of packaging materials.
Meet recycling targets: Some states set long-term recycling goals, such as California’s 65% target by 2032 or Oregon’s 70% by 2050.
Why EPR Laws Matter
For businesses, EPR is both a compliance obligation and an opportunity. While fees may increase costs in the short term, smart packaging design can help reduce those fees—and build trust with sustainability-minded consumers.
Get Ahead of the Curve
The future of packaging is recyclable, data-driven, and tightly regulated. Brands that act now will gain a competitive edge—avoiding last-minute compliance headaches, reducing costs, and building long-term consumer loyalty.
Need help navigating EPR compliance?
Our team at Uplift is here to help. Our 12-step EPR compliance process can help your company assess where you are, determine where you need to be, and get you there through a methodical approach that is right-sized to your company. Contact us hello@theupliftagency.com.
The Uplift Agency
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We work across industries to develop and implement forward-looking strategies and reporting that align environmental and impact goals with business performance, unlocking opportunities for innovation, resilience, and long-term growth.
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