Minnesota Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act – 2026 Needs Assessment

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) invites comments on a draft Needs Assessment for implementation of the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act (Minn. Stat. § 115A.144-115A.1463).

The law created an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for packaging and paper products statewide. When fully implemented, an intent of this law is to incentivize more sustainable design and hold producers responsible for reducing the environmental impacts of the items they produce. Producers must reimburse 90% of the costs to refill, reuse, recycle, or compost covered materials, ultimately reducing what residents, local government, and others must pay to manage the packaging. In 2024, Minnesota became the fifth state to pass a paper and packaging EPR law.

Under the law, the MPCA is required to complete a Needs Assessment in 2026 and every five years after that. This assessment gathers information about Minnesota’s current infrastructure and system of management and disposal of covered packaging and paper products. It also recommends ways to build a future system that improves environmental outcomes.

This needs assessment was conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting on behalf of the MPCA and includes:

• Improved rates - an official baseline to measure program outcomes, including proposals for statewide requirements
• More services - recommendations on where investments should be made in services for collection, sorting, and end markets
• Reimbursement method - a recommended methodology for reimbursement rates for service providers
• Sustainable design -- an evaluation of environmental improvements and accountability for covered materials
• Best in-class education and outreach -- an assessment of best practices for education and outreach