EPR in the U.S., Part 1: States Taking the Lead

In 1991, Minnesota and New Jersey ushered in the first two Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws in the U.S. These laws, focused on the disposal of rechargeable batteries, were the first attempts in the U.S. by state governments to come to terms with the increase in recyclable waste ending up in landfills across the country. As of 2025, 34 states and the District of Columbia have EPR laws, covering products ranging from textiles to plastic packaging. These efforts were often led by coalitions of local governments, environmental advocacy groups, and public health advocates, citing frustrations with mounting waste management costs and concerns about environmental health.   

EPR is a policy framework that requires manufacturers to finance the collection, recycling, or safe disposal of their products once consumers dispose of them. While the concept has gained traction in many countries, most notably in the European Union (EU), the U.S. has yet to pass any EPR regulations at the federal level. This absence of a nationwide EPR policy has resulted in a fragmented policy landscape, where states vary widely in both the products covered and the scope of their regulations.