Each year, Americans trash more than 80 million tons of packaging – primarily made from plastic, paper, glass, and metal, and less than 50% of it is recycled. When it comes to plastic, the rate is less than 9%.

How can we reuse and recycle more packaging and protect the environment? Extended producer responsibility. PSI was an early advocate for packaging EPR the United States. In 2016, we developed our model packaging EPR legislation, then updated it in 2019 with input from industry and government – the first time in the U.S. that representatives from both sectors collaborated to develop a policy model for packaging EPR. In 2020, we mediated an agreement with the Flexible Packaging Association that would allow the trade organization to support packaging EPR.

We have published many reports on the subject, including:

Making Sense of “Chemical Recycling”: Criteria for Assessing Plastics-to-Plastics and Plastics-to-Fuel Technologies, 2022

Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products: Policies, Practice, and Performance, 2020

The Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) & PSI Agreement on Legislative Elements of an EPR for Packaging & Paper Products Bill, 2020

5 Easy Steps to Reduce Plastic & Benefit Your Business: A Guide for Restaurants and Eateries, 2020

Marine Debris & Plastic Source Reduction Toolkit for Colleges & Universities, 2015

We also supported the introduction of the federal Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act in 2021, and worked with Senator Udall and Representative Lowenthal to make sure that it included strong packaging EPR provisions.

Maine and Oregon used our model to enact packaging EPR laws in 2021, Colorado followed suit in 2022 and, that same year, California also enacted legislation that was informed by our model.

EPR programs like these incentivize the design of more sustainable products and build supply chains for those made with recycled materials, which are the building blocks of an emerging circular economy that protects our environment and builds a better future.

What can you do? Tell your representatives that you support packaging EPR legislation. Then, learn where to recycle or safely dispose of packaging in your community.

If you’re a PSI Member or Partner, search our Resource Library for in-depth information on packaging stewardship in the United States and around the world and our Legislation Library for a history of packaging EPR bills and laws in the U.S.