Packaging EPR requirements are creating an increasingly complex compliance calendar for producers selling across multiple U.S. states, including California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington. This checklist gives your team a practical, month-by-month guide to 2026 obligations, including reporting deadlines, fee timing, registration considerations and the actions needed to prepare packaging data and maintain compliance.
Download this checklist to see:
- Key 2026 EPR deadlines by month
- Which states require reporting and when
- What to prepare ahead of the May 31 reporting cycle
- Where to focus on packaging data collection, validation, and fee planning
- Important state-specific notes and penalty reminders to help reduce compliance risk
In 2026, multiple state programs converge around a shared reporting cycle, while other requirements continue to evolve. Producers need to prepare 2025 packaging supply data, align classifications across states, monitor developments, plan for invoices and fees and maintain documentation across the year. Missing deadlines or relying on incomplete data can create unnecessary cost, operational disruption and potential penalty exposure.