OR Creates Workgroup Focused on Glass Collection Under EPR
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has established a 14-member technical workgroup focused on glass collection under EPR and is charged with providing the Department:
- technical input on opportunities to reduce costs for glass producers and consider the potential impacts of those options; and
- input into a potential rulemaking on this issue.
The workgroup includes representatives from Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the Glass Packaging Institute (GPI), the Oregon Winegrowers Association (OWA), local governments, environmental groups and waste haulers. At its first meeting on April 15th, DEQ staff acknowledged issues with how glass is treated under the program. Specifically, they noted that current requirements have had the unintentional consequence of discouraging the use of glass due to its higher relative cost compared to other materials like plastic. They also recognized that earlier program analysis did not fully account for factors now negatively impacting glass packaging. The workgroup will operate on an expedited timeline, focusing only on solutions that can be implemented through rulemaking. At the next meeting on April 28th, GPI will present its detailed proposal for reducing the cost of glass under the EPR program while improving recycling outcomes. This will be followed by a deeper discussion of potential recommendations. We are closely monitoring the workgroup’s progress and will continue to keep you informed.