Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Minnesota opens comment period on packaging EPR needs assessment

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has opened public comment, running to 13 November 2026, on a draft 2026 Needs Assessment under the state's Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act. The assessment will shape rules requiring producers to reimburse at least 90 percent of eligible recycling costs and to make covered packaging refillable, reusable, recyclable or compostable by 1 January 2032. Circular Action Alliance has been named as Minnesota's initial producer-responsibility organisation.

Why this mattersA 90 percent cost-reimbursement threshold and a 2032 design mandate would raise compliance costs for brand owners and packaging producers selling into Minnesota.

• Public comment on Minnesota's draft 2026 Needs Assessment runs through 13 November 2026.
• Producers must reimburse at least 90 percent of eligible collection, transport, sorting, processing, administration and education costs.
• Covered packaging, food packaging and paper products sold in Minnesota must be refillable, reusable, recyclable or compostable by 1 January 2032.
• Circular Action Alliance has been accepted as Minnesota's initial producer-responsibility organisation.
• The law is Minnesota's Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act.

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