EPR Fee Check: Calculate Your Packaging Compliance Costs
Extended Producer Responsibility fees are law in 7 states. Get a free EPR fee estimate — check coverage, calculate costs, and find eco-modulation savings.
Extended Producer Responsibility — explained
EPR shifts the cost of packaging waste from taxpayers to producers. If you sell packaged products in states with EPR laws, you may be legally required to register, report, and pay fees.
Who is a “producer”?
The brand owner, licensee, or importer of packaged products sold into an EPR state. If you put packaging into commerce in CA, OR, CO, MN, MD, WA, or ME — you may be obligated. EPR fees are recurring annual obligations based on the total weight of packaging you sell into each state each year. Am I Covered? →
What are the penalties?
Up to $50,000/day in California, $20,000+ and $6,000/day in Colorado, and $100,000/day in Minnesota for repeat violations. Non-compliance can also restrict your ability to sell products in those states. State Guides →
Can fees be reduced?
Yes. Eco-modulation means non-recyclable materials cost 2–5× more per pound than recyclable ones. Switching to recyclable packaging can save 55–81% on rigid plastic fees, depending on the state. See 7 strategies →
Is my brand exempt?
Each state has different exemption thresholds. California exempts brands under $1M in CA sales, Oregon under $5M global revenue. Check in 60 seconds. Check now →
7 states. One tool.
Guides, deadlines, and fee data for every state with enacted EPR packaging law.
Active Programs
Registration Phase
How to reduce EPR fees — ranked by impact
EPR fee rates are eco-modulated — recyclable materials get lower rates, non-recyclable get higher. Material selection has the biggest financial impact, more than any credit or bonus.
Material selection
Switching from a high-fee category to a lower-fee category saves more than any eco-modulation bonus. Non-recyclable materials cost 2–5× more per pound — 55–81% less for recyclable rigid plastic.
Lightweighting
Fees are per pound. Less weight = fewer pounds reported = lower fees. A 10% weight reduction = 10% fee reduction. No eco-modulation needed — it's a direct 1:1 savings.
Design for recyclability
Remove problematic laminations, foils, adhesives, and coatings that push packaging into non-recyclable categories. Multi-material composites pay the highest rates.
PCR content increases
Higher PCR content helps future-proof packaging and supports impact-reduction claims. In CO, recyclable categories with proven high recycling rates qualify for a −5% bonus.
Reuse & refill systems
Potentially the largest eco-modulation incentives (OR's program rewards reuse/refill transitions), but also the most difficult to implement. Best for high-volume SKUs.
Avoid Detriments (CO)
Colorado applies a +5% surcharge on materials that disrupt recycling processes. Avoid PVC, contaminating additives, and flagged detriment materials.
EPR fee check — frequently asked questions
What is EPR Fee Check?
EPR Fee Check is a free tool that helps brands estimate their Extended Producer Responsibility packaging fees across 7 U.S. states — California, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Maryland, Washington, and Maine. Check if you're covered, calculate your costs, and find eco-modulation savings.
Which states have EPR packaging laws?
As of 2026, seven states have enacted EPR packaging laws: California (SB 54), Oregon (SB 582), Colorado (HB 22-1355), Minnesota (HF 3911), Maryland (SB 901), Washington (SB 5284), and Maine (LD 1541). Illinois and New Jersey have bills in progress. New York's SB 1464 did not pass a floor vote in the 2026 session.
How much do EPR fees cost?
EPR fees vary by state and packaging type. Typical costs range from $0.01 to $0.15 per pound of packaging sold into each state. Use the EPR fee calculator for a free instant estimate based on your packaging weights and materials.
What happens if you don't comply with EPR?
Penalties are severe: up to $50,000/day in California (PRC §42081), $20,000 + $6,000/day in Colorado, and $100,000/day in Minnesota for repeat violations. Non-compliance can also restrict your ability to sell products in those states.
Can EPR fees be reduced?
Yes — eco-modulation means non-recyclable materials cost 2–5× more per pound than recyclable ones. Switching to mono-material packaging, using recyclable formats, and lightweighting packaging all significantly reduce fees. See 7 strategies to reduce EPR fees.
Is my brand exempt from EPR?
Exemption thresholds vary by state. California exempts brands under $1M in CA sales, Oregon under $5M global revenue, Colorado under $2M. Check if you're covered in 60 seconds.
When are EPR reporting deadlines?
Key 2026 deadlines: California baseline reports due June 1, Colorado annual supply reports due July 1, Oregon annual supply reports due June 30. See the EPR deadline calendar for all upcoming dates.
EPR compliance — done for you.
Every SKU tracked. Every report filed. Every dollar saved.
Our software builds a complete SKU database, generates accurate reports for every EPR state, and applies eco-modulation credits to reduce your fees.