U.S. Packaging EPR: State-by-State Extended Producer Responsibility Laws for Packaging and Printed Paper
Reference for U.S. state-level extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging, requiring producers to fund collection, recycling, and disposal of packaging materials. Active programs in Oregon, Colorado, California, and Maine.
This is a regulated fee — required or governed by law in the jurisdictions below.
Overview
A growing number of U.S. states are enacting extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging and printed paper, shifting the cost of recycling and disposal from municipalities to the producers who create the packaging. As of 2025, four states have enacted packaging EPR legislation: Oregon, Colorado, California, and Maine. These programs require producers, brand owners, and importers to register with a designated PRO (Producer Responsibility Organization), report packaging volumes by material type, and pay eco-modulated fees based on material recyclability. Fee structures are complex and vary by state, with total program costs running into hundreds of millions annually. Online merchants selling into these states are considered producers if they supply packaging to consumers.
Fee schedule by jurisdiction
4 jurisdictions with active fee requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|
| Oregon | Producer fees by material type and weight (eco-modulated) |
| Colorado | Producer fees by material type and weight (eco-modulated) |
| California (SB 54) | Producer fees by material type and weight |
| Maine | Producer fees (program in development) |
Oregon
Producer fees by material type and weight (eco-modulated)
Packaging and printed paper supplied to Oregon consumers
Fee payments began July 2025. Pre-program spend ~$188M in 2025, increasing to ~$290M by 2027.
Effective Jul 1, 2025
Colorado
Producer fees by material type and weight (eco-modulated)
Packaging and printed paper supplied to Colorado consumers
Fee invoices issued by end of 2025. Third draft of eco-modulation regulations published.
California (SB 54)
Producer fees by material type and weight
Packaging and single-use food service ware supplied to California consumers
Data reporting by November 2025. Fee payments begin January 2027. ~$500M/year from producers 2027–2037.
Effective Jan 1, 2027
Maine
Producer fees (program in development)
Packaging materials supplied to Maine consumers
Comprehensive EPR packaging legislation enacted. Fee structure under development.
Enforcement
Producers who fail to register with the state PRO, report packaging data, or pay fees face enforcement from state environmental agencies, including fines, compliance orders, and potential bans on selling packaged goods in the state.
Official sources
Shopify compliance
This is a mandatory fee — merchants selling in covered jurisdictions are legally required to collect it. Shopify requires that mandatory fees be clearly disclosed to customers before checkout. Use a Shopify app like Magical Fees to automate collection and ensure compliance.
This information is maintained by the Magical Apps team and reviewed semi-annually. Always consult official government sources for the most current requirements.
Quick facts
- Regulation
- State Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging Laws
- Country
- United States
- Jurisdictions
- 4
- Category
- Eco-Participation Fees
Explore U.S. State Packaging EPR Laws (Extended Producer Responsibility) in practice
See how to automate this fee on Shopify and browse other regulations in this category.
Related use cases
Set up with Magical Fees on Shopify.
More eco-participation fees
Other regulations in this category.
Canadian Provincial Environmental Handling Fees (Eco-Fees)
Reference for Canadian provincial eco-fee and environmental handling fee (EHF) programs covering electronics, batteries, packaging, tires, and other regulated products under extended producer responsibility legislation.
View fee schedule →GermanyGerman ElektroG WEEE Eco-Fees
Reference for Germany's ElektroG (Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act) requiring producers to register with Stiftung EAR and pay fees for WEEE collection and recycling.
View fee schedule →SpainSpanish RAEE/WEEE Producer Responsibility Fees
Reference for Spain's RAEE (Residuos de Aparatos Eléctricos y Electrónicos) extended producer responsibility system, requiring registration, eco-modulated fees, and recycling obligations for electronics producers.
View fee schedule →European UnionEU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) — Producer Responsibility Fees
Reference for the EU Battery Regulation (2023/1542) requiring extended producer responsibility for all batteries placed on the EU market, including registration, collection, recycling, and end-of-life management obligations.
View fee schedule →European UnionEU Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (Green Dot / PRO Europe)
Reference for European packaging extended producer responsibility systems coordinated by PRO Europe (Green Dot / Der Grüne Punkt), requiring producers to pay license fees for packaging collection and recycling in each EU member state.
View fee schedule →European UnionEU Textile and Clothing EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)
Reference for extended producer responsibility (EPR) and eco-contribution schemes for textiles and clothing in the EU. France (Refashion) and other member states charge or require producer contributions; EU-wide EPR for textiles is coming by 2028.
View fee schedule →Ready to get started?
Install Magical Fees & Tariffs on Shopify and see the difference today.
Install Magical Fees & Tariffs on Shopify