Principles | What We Stand For
These principles are policy recommendations for legislators and regulators developing or implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programs at the state or federal level. They aim to support strong environmental outcomes while ensuring program requirements are practical and achievable for Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) and producers.
These principles were developed by a transparent, consensus-based process and do not establish binding commitments among member companies or prescribe specific business conduct.
Given that numerous jurisdictions are considering or have enacted legislation mandating producer responsibility, producers have a legitimate interest in ensuring that such policies are well-designed and effective.
Strong Environmental Outcomes
Recycling system improvements, from collection and sorting to sale of recycled materials.
Efficient, Cost-Effective, Transparent, and Accountable Systems
Transparent and accurate reporting, monitoring and independent auditing.
Shared Financial Responsibility
Shared cost of collection and sorting among value chain actors.
Convenient for Consumers
Making recycling convenient and easy to understand.
Long-Term Financial Sustainability
All fee revenue raised should stay within the system.
Producers’ Ability to Secure Materials
Fair access to the purchase of recycled materials for closed loop recycling.
Social Inclusiveness and Fairness
Considerations for inclusive community benefits (especially in transitional markets).
Stakeholder Sequencing and Engagement
Optimal order of operations and timing for rollout activities, with relevant actors engaged at each step, to promote program effectiveness.
Pathways to Material and Technological Innovation
Adaptability and open-ness to material types and processing technologies so that value chain actors are equally incentivized, with potential for recyclability and recycling improvements for all materials paying into the system.
Legislative Alignment on Definitions and Methodologies
Streamlining of key program design aspects across states, while maintaining state-level flexibility for specific rates, dates, fees, etc. to be responsive the local conditions.
