This CLE webinar will guide environmental practitioners on extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs and laws, highlighting the challenges and opportunities they present. The panelists will examine the current EPR landscape, focusing on key legislative developments and compliance issues.
EPR is a legislative tool and policy approach that holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their products, particularly their end-of-life disposal. Packaging and packaging waste, electronic and electrical waste, and battery categories are crucial targets of EPR laws.
EPR shifts the burden of waste management from consumers and municipalities to producers, requiring them to take responsibility for the disposal and recycling of their products. This policy aims to incentivize producers to design more sustainable products and reduce waste. The implementation of EPR programs presents several challenges such as compliance with varying state laws, financial obligations, and the establishment of effective producer responsibility organizations.
As of 2024, five U.S. states have active EPR or similar packaging laws. Recent legislative developments in states like Maine and Oregon have set new precedents for EPR laws in the U.S. These laws impose stringent requirements on producers, including detailed reporting and financial contributions to waste management systems. Environmental lawyers must navigate these complex regulations to advise their clients effectively.
Listen as our expert panel offers guidance on the current EPR landscape and emerging laws. The panel will address the legislative landscape, producer and PRO responsibilities, financial obligations and reporting requirements, and more.
