The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) approved Circular Action Alliance (CAA) Oregon鈥檚 program plan amendment on Responsible End Markets (REM), strengthening how recyclable materials collected in Oregon are verified as being managed responsibly under the state鈥檚 Recycling Modernization Act (RMA).
The amendment creates a clearer starting point for launching a new verification framework for end markets and downstream facilities, increasing transparency and accountability across the recycling value chain. DEQ鈥檚 decision follows more than two years of technical work and consultation among DEQ, CAA, the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council (ORSAC), local governments, service providers and end market operators.
鈥淩eaching this milestone reflects months of engagement with many interested parties, including active participation by the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council, and sustained collaboration between CAA and the State.” Cheryl Grabham, Product Stewardship Program Manager at Oregon DEQ said.
鈥淥regonians expect recycling to be handled safely and responsibly from collection to final processing,鈥� said Kim Holmes, CAA Oregon Executive Director. 鈥淭his updated REM approach provides a practical path for end markets to demonstrate compliance, reduces duplicative paperwork where credible certifications already exist and helps keep materials moving to responsible destinations.鈥�
What the New REM Amendment Does
The approved REM amendment strengthens end-market verification within Oregon鈥檚 paper and packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program by:
-
Setting a practical path to compliance. Defines how end markets and downstream facilities can demonstrate that they meet statutory REM requirements, enabling the system to move from planning to implementation.
-
Leveraging credible, existing, third-party certifications. Aligns with established certification and verification programs so qualifying facilities can receive partial credit toward REM verification鈥攔educing duplication while maintaining environmental safeguards.
-
Protecting environmental outcomes while keeping markets viable. Reflects DEQ direction and interested party input to create a durable framework that supports responsible recycling, market functionality and an EPR program that meets the state鈥檚 requirements.
What Happens Next
CAA Oregon will provide implementation guidance to participating end markets and service providers, including timelines and documentation expectations, and begin verification audits, as the EPR program moves toward full operational readiness under the RMA.
Building on DEQ鈥檚 approval of the REM program plan amendment, CAA at a National level is advancing work on a draft Responsible Markets Certification Standard designed to support consistent verification of REM requirements under existing and emerging EPR laws. CAA has opened a public comment period on the draft REM Standard, inviting input from regulators, local governments, service providers, end markets, producers and other interest holders. Feedback received will help refine the standard to ensure it is clear, practical and effective, while improving transparency and confidence in how recyclable materials are managed downstream.