The Lasting Impacts of NEC’s Network to Address Plastic Pollution

Overview

In 2021, NCEL facilitated the launch of a nine-state network to make producers of plastic packaging responsible for the waste they create. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) network consists of state lawmakers working closely on zero-waste policies, and has led to awareness-building and policy successes throughout the country.

• The Problem: Plastic packaging – much of which is difficult, if not impossible, to recycle – is driving the plastic pollution crisis. Most packaging ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the environment, leading to higher costs and negative health outcomes for local communities.
• Solution – Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): EPR ensures that the producers of packaging materials assume responsibility for the cost of collecting and sorting packaging at the end of its life. EPR shifts costs away from taxpayers and municipalities while playing a crucial role in reducing plastic waste and spurring innovation toward more sustainable products and packaging.  

Action: The NCEL EPR Network

NCEL has assisted legislators across the country in addressing plastic pollution through upstream and downstream solutions, including nationwide efforts on producer responsibility. 

In 2020, NCEL launched an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) network with legislators from nine states to facilitate collaboration and the advancement of EPR policies for plastic packaging. To help motivate as many states as possible to introduce legislation, NCEL’s EPR network issued a national press release and held a press conference which generated notable media coverage. 

Outcome: Policy Traction and Success

Since the launch of the network, more states have considered EPR legislation, with a number of NCEL network members having had their EPR bills enacted into law.

As of 2024:

• Five states have enacted EPR for packaging – three of which are represented in the NCEL EPR Network (Oregon, California, and Colorado). 
• Eleven states have banned polystyrene.

• Twelve states have banned plastic bags.