Reimbursement Model Phased In Through 2032
The law requires producers to reimburse waste service providers for 90% of the costs tied to the recycling system. These funds may be directed toward improving recycling infrastructure and operations. The model will not be implemented all at once. Instead, the reimbursement schedule will ramp up over a three-year period:
50% reimbursement by February 15, 2030
75% by February 15, 2031
90% by 2032
Oversight will fall under the state Department of Ecology, which will monitor the process while a producer responsibility organization (PRO) will be charged with developing, financing, and managing the program.
Implications for Foodservice Packaging
Operators that rely on branded packaging, single-use containers, or prepacked products should take note of key exemptions. Certain food and medical packaging types will be excluded from these rules. However, covered packaging materials may be exempted if a producer can prove a reuse or recycling rate of at least 65% over three consecutive years. That benchmark will increase to 70% by 2030.
These performance-based exemptions could provide an alternative path for distributors or manufacturers to comply, though maintaining documentation and transparency will be essential. Operators working with private-label suppliers or custom packaging will need to verify whether those materials qualify under the recycling rate threshold.
Compliance Will Require Coordination Across The Supply Chain
For restaurant groups and foodservice distributors operating in Washington, the law introduces new financial risks if suppliers are unprepared or noncompliant. Because the law ties reimbursement to packaging, not product type, procurement teams will need to align with vendors to understand which products are covered and whether any fall under the exemption criteria.
Proactive steps include:
Reviewing packaging formats and materials in use
Identifying which suppliers are assuming PRO responsibilities
Auditing supply chain sustainability claims related to reuse or recycling rates
Failure to prepare could result in pricing adjustments, reduced supplier availability, or compliance issues tied to packaging shipments into the state.
Looking Ahead
Washington's adoption of EPR for packaging continues a national trend among states prioritizing producer accountability for waste management. For foodservice operators, the law adds complexity to packaging decisions but also creates opportunities to streamline materials, reduce waste, and align with sustainability goals.
Businesses operating in multiple states with EPR laws may benefit from developing a standardized approach to packaging compliance and data tracking. As more states consider similar legislation, packaging sustainability will become an increasingly important lever in foodservice procurement and operations strategy.
