Ethan Clarke
The Oregon government has implemented several measures to address plastic pollution and reduce waste. In 2019, the state passed a ban on single-use plastic bags, and restricted the use of plastic straws in restaurants. In 2021, the Oregon Legislature passed the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which aims to expand access to recycling services, upgrade recycling facilities, and reduce environmental harms associated with plastic pollution. The state is also considering Senate Bill 551, also known as the beyond the bag ban bill, which seeks to further restrict single-use plastic items such as plastic bags and utensils. Additionally, Oregon has proposed bills to reduce plastic packaging and foodware, legalize reusable containers, and prevent the expansion of chemical recycling facilities. These efforts reflect Oregon's commitment to tackling plastic pollution and promoting environmental sustainability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bill to reduce plastic waste | Senate Bill 551, also known as the "beyond the bag ban bill" |
| Aim | Reduce access to single-use plastic items, including plastic bags, utensils, and hotel shampoo bottles |
| Previous legislation | In 2019, Oregon passed a bill banning single-use plastic bags and straws, with some exceptions |
| Implementation | The bill is currently under consideration by state lawmakers, with potential amendments requested by grocers regarding the timeline for the plastic bag ban |
| Testimonies | Testimonies from supporters and opponents of the bill have been presented, with supporters highlighting Oregon's leadership in reducing plastic waste and the pressing environmental concerns related to plastic pollution |
| Other initiatives | The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, implemented since 2021, aims to improve recycling infrastructure and reduce environmental harms |
| Additional policies | Other policies suggested by Environment Oregon include reducing plastic at the source, legalizing reusables, preventing "chemical recycling," and promoting the right to repair |
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What You'll Learn
Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act
The Oregon government has been taking several measures to address plastic pollution and improve recycling systems in the state. One of the key initiatives is the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which aims to modernize Oregon's recycling system and reduce plastic waste.
The Act was passed by the Oregon Legislature as Senate Bill 582 in 2021 and has been under development since then. The Environmental Quality Commission, the governing body for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), adopted rules to implement the Act at its meeting on November 22, 2024.
The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act aims to expand access to recycling services, upgrade recycling facilities, and reduce environmental harms caused by plastic pollution. One of the key highlights of the Act is the set performance standards for recycling facilities, including the sorting and processing of recyclables. Fees will be established to support investments in Oregon's recycling infrastructure and fund programs that promote the reuse of materials, bringing greater environmental benefits.
The Act also defines standards for evaluating the environmental impacts of paper, packaging, and food serviceware. Producers and manufacturers in these industries will be responsible for many of the necessary improvements and will bear the costs associated with recycling. This includes the implementation of extended producer responsibility laws for packaging, paper, and food serviceware, with the goal of reducing the environmental impacts of these products and ensuring successful recycling in Oregon.
In addition to the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, the Oregon government is also focusing on regulating single-use plastic products. Senate Bill 551, known as the "beyond the bag ban bill," aims to expand on the restrictions passed in 2019 that banned single-use plastic bags in grocery and other stores and limited the use of plastic straws in restaurants. SB 551 proposes to eliminate exceptions that allowed grocers to provide reusable plastic bags for a small charge and restrict access to other single-use plastic items such as utensils and hotel shampoo bottles. While the bill has received support for Oregon's leadership in reducing plastic waste, it has also faced opposition from some individuals and businesses.
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Senate Bill 551
SB 551 takes the 2019 bill a step further by proposing three key measures:
- Eliminating all plastic film bags at checkout in grocery stores and restaurants by January 1, 2027: This measure seeks to completely ban plastic checkout bags, including the slightly thicker "reusable" plastic bags that were previously allowed for a small charge.
- Phasing out single-use plastic toiletries: The bill proposes to start with lodging establishments with more than 50 rooms by January 1, 2027, and then expand to all lodging establishments by January 1, 2028.
- Adding utensils and condiments to the existing "straws upon request" law: Starting on July 1, 2026, restaurants would be required to provide utensils and condiments only if requested by customers, similar to the current straws upon request policy.
The bill has received bipartisan support, with voters across political affiliations expressing concern about plastic pollution. The Oregon Senate passed the bill on March 11, 2025, with a vote of 22-8. The bill then went through several readings and work sessions before being signed by the President, Speaker, and Governor of the Oregon Legislature in late May 2025.
Supporters of SB 551 argue that it will help Oregon continue its leadership in reducing plastic waste and build a more sustainable future. They emphasize the environmental and public health benefits of reducing single-use plastic products, which contribute to an increasing pile of plastic trash and the proliferation of microplastics. However, the bill has also faced opposition from those who believe it infringes on personal freedoms and business interests.
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Reducing plastic at the source
Oregon has been recognised as a leader in recycling, with the state government taking several measures to reduce plastic at the source. The state has passed various bills and acts to tackle plastic pollution and improve its recycling system.
One notable example is the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which was passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2021. This act aims to expand access to recycling services, upgrade recycling facilities, and reduce environmental harms associated with plastic pollution. The act sets performance standards for recycling facilities, establishes fees to support investments in recycling infrastructure, and defines standards for evaluating the environmental impacts of paper, packaging, and food serviceware.
In addition to the Recycling Modernization Act, Oregon has also implemented a ban on single-use plastic bags and straws. The state passed legislation in 2019 that prohibited restaurants, grocery stores, and other retailers from providing single-use plastic bags at checkout. The legislation also allowed customers to request plastic straws instead of receiving them automatically. However, an exception was made for grocers to offer slightly thicker "reusable" plastic bags for a small charge.
To further reduce plastic waste, Oregon is considering additional measures. Senate Bill 551, also known as the "beyond the bag ban bill," aims to expand on the 2019 restrictions. This bill would eliminate the exception for grocers to provide reusable plastic bags and cut back access to other single-use plastic items, such as utensils and hotel shampoo bottles. While there is some opposition to this bill, it has received support from environmental groups and businesses alike.
Another proposed bill aims to address single-use plastic packaging and foodware. This bill would require producers to reduce the amount of single-use plastic by 25% over the next decade, encouraging a transition to reusable alternatives. Additionally, Oregon is also considering a bill to prevent the permitting of new or expanded "chemical recycling" facilities, as they are considered a false solution to the plastic problem, instead focusing on reducing plastic production and transitioning to a zero-waste system.
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Legalizing reusables
Oregon has been recognized as a leader in recycling, with the state government taking several measures to address plastic pollution. One of the key initiatives is the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, which aims to expand access to recycling services, upgrade recycling facilities, and hold producers and manufacturers accountable for environmental impacts. The act also sets performance standards for recycling facilities and establishes fees to support investments in Oregon's recycling infrastructure.
In addition to the Recycling Modernization Act, Oregon has also implemented a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags and straws, with the Beyond the Bag Ban Bill (SB 551) aiming to further expand these restrictions. The bill includes provisions to eliminate exceptions that allowed grocers to provide reusable plastic bags for a small charge. While the bill has faced some opposition, it is generally supported as a necessary step towards reducing plastic waste.
To build on these efforts, Oregon is considering legalizing reusables. A proposed bill aims to address the current restriction in Oregon's Health Code, which does not permit consumer or store-owned reusable containers in bulk sections or for produce. By legalizing reusables, Oregon can encourage a transition away from single-use items, reducing plastic waste and its associated environmental impacts.
The proposed bill to legalize reusables is part of a broader strategy to tackle plastic pollution in Oregon. By legalizing and establishing reuse systems, Oregon can reduce waste, promote the production of durable and repairable goods, and encourage recycling. This comprehensive approach is essential to mitigating the environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution and fostering a circular economy in the state.
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Preventing the permitting of new chemical recycling facilities
Oregon has been recognized as a leader in recycling, with the state taking several measures to tackle plastic pollution. One of the key focuses is on preventing the permitting of new chemical recycling facilities, also known as "chemical recycling". This is because chemical recycling is seen as a false solution to the plastic problem, which only exacerbates the climate crisis. Instead, the state is focusing on reducing plastic production and transitioning to a zero-waste system.
The Oregon Legislature has passed several bills to address plastic pollution, including a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags in 2019, which was expanded in 2025 with Senate Bill 551, also known as the "beyond the bag ban bill". This bill also aims to cut back access to other single-use plastic items like utensils and hotel shampoo bottles. Additionally, a proposed bill would ban polystyrene foodware, coolers, and packing peanuts, as well as phase out PFAS, a toxic "forever chemical" from food packaging.
The state is also working on reducing plastic waste at the source. A proposed bill would require producers to reduce the amount of single-use plastic packaging and foodware by 25% over the next decade. This will result in less plastic production, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced pollution. The state is also encouraging the repair and reuse of products, with a proposed bill that would give Oregonians and small businesses access to the necessary resources to repair products.
The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act, implemented after the passage of Senate Bill 582 in 2021, is another important initiative. This act sets performance standards for recycling facilities, establishes fees to support investments in recycling infrastructure, and defines standards for evaluating the environmental impacts of paper, packaging, and food serviceware. The act aims to expand access to recycling services, upgrade sorting facilities, and create environmental benefits while reducing social and environmental harms.
By focusing on preventing the permitting of new chemical recycling facilities and implementing a range of other initiatives, Oregon is taking a comprehensive approach to tackling plastic pollution and promoting a more sustainable future. These efforts are crucial in addressing the growing concern of plastic pollution, particularly in the state's natural environments and oceans, which poses a threat to wildlife and the global climate.
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Frequently asked questions
Oregon has been recognized as a leader in recycling and was one of the first states to pass a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags in 2019. The state has also passed Senate Bill 582 in 2021, which includes rules to implement the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act. This act will expand access to recycling services, upgrade recycling facilities, and hold producers and manufacturers responsible for the environmental impacts of their products.
The Oregon government is considering Senate Bill 551, also known as the "beyond the bag ban bill," which aims to expand on the restrictions passed in 2019. This bill would eliminate an exception that allowed grocers to provide slightly thicker "reusable" plastic bags for a small charge. Additionally, the bill would cut back access to other single-use plastic items such as utensils and hotel shampoo bottles.
The Oregon legislature has proposed several policies to tackle plastic pollution, including a bill that would require producers to reduce single-use plastic packaging and foodware by 25% over the next decade. Another proposed bill aims to give Oregonians and small businesses access to the resources needed to repair products, reducing the amount of waste generated.
