Material Impact Reduction and Reuse Program for packaging, printed paper, and food serviceware
Obligated producers under the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act will help pay for many necessary improvements to the Oregon recycling system, including a new program to reduce environmental impacts of covered products (packaging, printing and writing paper, and food serviceware) through activities other than waste recovery.
Under ORS 459A.941 (Section 32 of the Recycling Modernization Act):
- The Environmental Quality Commission shall establish a fee to be paid by producer responsibility organizations to support programs established under this section.
- DEQ may enter into agreements with public entities and may provide grants or loans to reduce the environmental impact of covered products.
- In providing these grants or loans, DEQ must consider criteria that include, but are not limited to environmental benefits, human health benefits, social and economic benefits, cost-effectiveness of the program, and the needs of economically distressed or underserved communities.
- Public bodies
- Tribal governments
- Nonprofit organizations
- Private organizations, if the department determines that the funds would be used for the public benefit
- Staffing including wages and benefits
- Capital investments
- Reusable and refillable items that reduce the impacts of covered products
- Repair and lifespan extension of covered products
- Research, evaluation, surveys and assessments
- Pollution control technology that exceed regulatory requirements
- Feasibility assessments and pilot projects
- Technical assistance
- Education, outreach, promotion, training and skills development
- Operation and maintenance costs
- Services and supplies
- Indirect costs and overhead
We want to hear from you!
DEQ is currently planning this work and seeking feedback and insight on potential projects that could be funded by this fee. Funding will first become available in 2026.
DEQ hosted a listening session on May 25, 2023 to gather feedback and insight on potential projects for the MIRROR Program.
The Environmental Quality Commission adopted rules associated with the Waste Prevention and Reuse Fee which funds the Material Impact Reduction and Reuse Program in November 2024. The Waste Prevention and Reuse Fee rules are set in OAR-340-090-0690 (4)(a)-(n).