OR Considers Rulemaking Concepts for Glass Collection Under EPR

On April 28th, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) technical workgroup established to vet potential options for reducing the cost for PRO glass collection completed its work. Based on the workgroup input received, DEQ staff indicated that it would whittle down the lengthy list of potential options and present a shorter list to the Oregon Recycling System Advisory Council (ORSAC).

ORSAC held a total of 3 meetings in May where it discussed six potential options and variations thereof and ultimately recommended that DEQ present 2 options to DEQ’s Rulemaking Advisory Committee (RAC).

On May 27th, DEQ presented this Topic Paper 3: Rule concept for glass packaging collection to RAC members discussing the following options

• Option #1 described by DEQ as a compromise that should help lower glass producer PRO fees while continuing to improve recycling outcomes. Specifically, it would include reducing the number of PRO collection depots across the state. Currently, 140 are required to be established under the program but this option would reduce that number significantly to an estimated 12-14 serving counties with more rural populations. DEQ supports this option along with Rulemaking Advisory Committee member, Circular Action Alliance (CAA), and technical glass collection work group members, Glass Packaging Institute (GPI) and the Oregon Winegrowers Association (OWA);
• Option #2 is touted by local governments and municipal recycling facilities (MRFs) members of ORSAC as lowering the costs for glass under the program while continuing a “shared responsibility” for glass collection under the EPR program.

DEQ says both should help lower the PRO’s costs for glass under the program but believes that Option #1 could reduce them by the most.  However, DEQ or CAA did not provide any estimates on the amount of cost savings of these proposals.  The preference for either option seemed to be split among the Committee and DEQ is receiving additional written feedback from RAC members until June 5^th and then will begin drafting a proposed rule which is expected to be posted for public comment in September.