The Toy Association™ Alerts Industry of EPR Updates in Colorado & Minnesota

September 19, 2024 | Toy Association staff is closely monitoring the progression of enacted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for paper and packaging throughout the U.S., focusing on compliance requirements for its members. Below are the latest updates in Colorado and Minnesota:

Colorado
All companies that that sell, import, or distribute products in Colorado must register with Circular Action Alliance (CAA), the producer responsibility organization (PRO) by October 1, 2024. Click here to complete CAA's registration form. Those who do not meet this deadline may be subject to state enforcement actions. Registration will allow companies to access CAA’s producer support services and ensure they are in compliance.

Registration with CAA also provides companies with several resources to help prepare for EPR implementation, including Producer Onboarding and Q&A sessions, open to all producers, and monthly Producer Working Group meetings, open only to registered producers and covering updates about the state programs, a review of upcoming producer requirements, and Q&A.

Members may visit CAA’s Producer Resource Center for more information or contact CAA’s Olivia Barker or Geoff Inch with any questions.

Minnesota
With the passage of the Packaging Waste & Cost Reduction Act, Minnesota became the fifth U.S. state (joining California, Colorado, Oregon, and Maine) to pass an EPR law for packaging and paper products. Additional information on the program requirements is available here.

While Minnesota is not expected to appoint a PRO until January 1, 2025, the state is in the process of appointing an 18-member advisory board to review all activities conducted by the future PRO and advise on EPR program implementation. This includes providing comment on recommendations developed through the needs assessments (every 5 years) and advising on the development of the state’s stewardship plans.

Individuals interested in an open advisory board position may apply here. More details are available here; members can reach out to Annika Bergen for more information.

The Toy Association will continue to keep the industry apprised of ongoing developments regarding state EPR laws. For more information on The Toy Association’s advocacy initiatives at the state level or to join the State Government Affairs Committee, contact The Toy Association’s Charlotte Hickcox.