What is EPR and what does it mean for waste and recycling in U.S. Housing?

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that requires companies to take responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their products and packaging, including what happens after the product is used. 

EPR legislation means that even after brands have sold their products, they can’t ignore their environmental responsibilities. Companies are expected to contribute to the collection, sorting and recycling of packaging and in many cases, the funding of these processes. This aims to incentivize brands to factor in product design, recyclability, reusability and waste collection. 

EPR legislation is designed to reduce packaging waste, support a circular economy, encourage sustainable design and ease burden on local governments.

How is EPR being implemented in the U.S.?

Unlike many European countries, EPR in the U.S. is being rolled out on a state-by-state basis. States including Maine, Oregon, California, Colorado and Minnesota, have already passed EPR legislation for packaging waste, with enforcement timelines staggered over the next decade. 

Several others, such as New York, Maryland and Illinois, are exploring or preparing for EPR frameworks. Each state has its own rules but the key principles are the same: producers must report packaging volumes, pay fees and invest in sustainable waste management.

Why is EPR important for housing authorities and social landlords?

EPR has the potential to unlock investment in local recycling infrastructure and services, particularly in underserved areas such as affordable and multifamily housing. 

Many EPR frameworks include targets for waste reduction and recycling participation and housing providers will play a key role in meeting those goals. Housing authorities and management companies may also benefit from reduced waste costs and support for rolling out new collection systems.

How does recycling infrastructure fit into the EPR landscape?

EPR legislation can only succeed if there’s infrastructure in place to support it. Producers may fund recycling but it’s down to municipalities and their partners to make it work on the ground. That means accessible, secure and user-friendly collection points where residents can separate materials easily and with confidence.

metroSTOR’s B-Series Container Housings are specifically developed for community recycling centres and convenience drop-off points in multifamily and downtown settings. They offer:

• High-capacity multi-stream layouts to handle a wide variety of recyclables, including streams that are not always covered by curbside collection, such as food scraps, electronics or textiles
• Accessible design with low loading heights and intuitive operation to support all users, including those with mobility needs
• Contamination reduction, using our RecycleRight visual interface system with clear colour-coding, symbols and multilingual signage
• Secure enclosures to reduce wind-blown litter, discourage illegal dumping and protect collection containers

Creating robust but user-friendly recycling facilities close to where people live help turn EPR into a visible, practical part of daily life.

What challenges does EPR pose for local governments?

The state-by-state rollout can create confusion, especially for nationwide housing operators and implementing policies can take years. There are also challenges around funding, staffing and educating residents on how to recycle properly, particularly in dense or historically under-served communities. Infrastructure and engagement need to go hand-in-hand and that’s why many public bodies are looking for partners who can support both the physical and behavioural aspects of successful waste diversion.

How can housing authorities and councils prepare for EPR?

Start by understanding which materials your properties generate and how they’re currently handled. Look for ways to improve access to recycling, reduce contamination and engage residents in sustainable waste practices. Talk to your City Recycling Co-ordinator and organizations such as The Recycling Partnership to see what grants you might be eligible for. Partnering with a supplier like metroSTOR allows you to put the right infrastructure in place, backed by proven systems for signage, accessibility and capacity management. We also support planning teams and facilities managers through our Zero-Waste Pathway consultation, helping you future-proof your properties for the EPR era.

What does the future of EPR look like in the U.S.?

Momentum is building. As public awareness grows and more states adopt EPR frameworks, we’re likely to see wider standardisation and stronger links between producer funding and local waste infrastructure. For housing providers, this represents an opportunity to access new funding streams, reduce landfill dependence and improve the look and function of communal spaces.