Washington state lawmakers are considering competing extended producer responsibility (EPR) bills to improve recycling, drawing significant industry interest. The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) and packaging group Ameripen support a proposal by Rep. Liz Berry and Sen. Liz Lovelett, modeled after Minnesota’s EPR law. Their Recycling Reform Act would impose fees on packaging to fund better recycling infrastructure and boost the state’s recycling rate from 40% to 65%. Backers, including the Washington Beverage Association and the Recycling Partnership, believe this bill offers the best chance for meaningful improvements.

“Allison Kustic, APR’s state government affairs manager, emphasized that EPR policies have successfully enhanced plastics recycling in Europe and Canada, fostering a circular economy that reduces plastic waste and creates U.S. jobs. Ameripen, whose members include Berry Global, Dart Container, Eastman Chemical, and ExxonMobil, supports the bill, calling its funding formula and goals fair.

However, opposition has emerged from the Flexible Packaging Association and Consumer Brands Association, which argue the legislation imposes excessive restrictions on chemical recycling and lacks transparency in fund allocation. A rival bill, HB-1071, proposes a slower approach, conducting an infrastructure assessment before implementing an EPR program. Supported by Waste Management and grocery retailers, HB-1071 also sets new recycled content requirements: polypropylene tubs must contain 10% post-consumer content by 2031, increasing to 30% by 2036, while single-use plastic cups must reach 15% recycled content by 2032.

Critics of the Berry-Lovelett bill, including Rep. Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, argue that its fees function as a hidden tax, driving up food and packaging costs. Retail and grocery groups favor HB-1071, fearing inflationary impacts. The Washington Association of Cities and the Recycling Partnership counter that studies do not show EPR policies raising consumer costs. However, Vicki Christopherson of the Washington Refuse and Recycling Association insists the measure would burden consumers.

The Consumer Brands Association opposes the Berry-Lovelett bill, citing concerns over timelines, costs, and molecular recycling restrictions, even while supporting EPR broadly. In contrast, the EPR Leadership Forum—a coalition including Amcor, Coca-Cola, and Nestlé—backs the legislation. Lobbyist Kelsey Hulse argues it is the only proposal capable of generating the necessary funding to expand recycling access statewide and incentivize sustainable packaging.

Both bills continue through legislative hearings, with stakeholders divided over whether Washington should adopt an ambitious, fee-driven EPR system or a more gradual approach to reform.