FPA Opposes HB 2592 to Restructure Oregon’s Recycling System

Like HB 2065, HB 2592 would require packaging, printing, and writing paper be recycled through new “producer responsibility organizations.” These new organizations would be responsible for paying all of the costs for recycling these products, including collection, processing, and marketing, funding new litter prevention and clean-up programs, upgrading recycling processing facilities, and reimbursing local governments for all of their collection and transportation costs. DEQ’s staff and its consultants estimate that these new activities will add at least $100 million more per year to the cost of recycling in Oregon. We support the objective of increasing the recovery of all paper and packaging. However, this bill raises significant policy questions and implementation concerns.