The Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) and the Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association (NEWMOA) published a white paper on extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging and paper products (PPP). The goal of the white paper is to provide state officials, policymakers and affected industries with a baseline of shared knowledge on this topic.  

The Northeast Committee on the Environment, a program of the Coalition of Northeastern Governors, requested that NEWMOA and NERC provide information about EPR for packaging and paper products to help them, other state officials and others consider options for EPR for PPP. According to a press release, this white paper provides an overarching understanding of the EPR system structure and design, requirements and benefits. Last year, NEWMOA and NERC published a short introductory Fact Sheet on EPR for Packaging and Paper Products, and the white paper is designed as a companion resource to provide more in-depth information about existing programs and proposals.

“This paper will help state officials, NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] and many others understand the key proposals to date in the Northeast for EPR for packaging and paper products,” said Terri Goldberg, executive director of NEWMOA, in a statement. “This is a very dynamic area of public policy, and we anticipate a number of changes and more proposals in the coming years. We look forward to continuing to support efforts in this area, especially our regional network of state officials and NGO EPR supporters.” 

“EPR for packaging and paper has exploded as an area of interest in the Northeast,” said Lynn Rubinstein, executive director of NERC, in a statement. “This white paper is a unique resource providing the essential components of EPR for PPP and how they integrate for a successful recycling program.”