EPR Deadline 2026 — File by May 31 or Pay

May 31, 2026 is the harmonized EPR reporting deadline for brands selling packaged products in California, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington. If you're a brand owner, licensee, or importer, this affects you. Here's exactly what you need to know — and what happens if you miss it.

What is the May 31 EPR reporting deadline?

May 31, 2026 is the first harmonized reporting deadline under six state EPR packaging laws. On this date, brands that sell packaged products into these six states must submit their annual packaging reports to their respective Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs).

This is not a future deadline — it's happening now. The laws are already in effect. The reporting window is open. And penalties for non-compliance start immediately after the deadline passes.

Not sure if you're covered? Check in 60 seconds with our free coverage checker.

State-by-state: What's due May 31

What you need to file

Regardless of which state you're reporting to, you'll need these three things:

1. PRO registration— You must be registered with the designated Producer Responsibility Organization for each state where you're obligated. Registration is separate from reporting.
2. Packaging weight data by material type — Total weight (in kg or lbs) of packaging sold into each state, broken down by material: recyclable plastic, non-recyclable plastic, corrugated cardboard, paperboard, glass, aluminum, and steel.
3. Eco-modulation data (if applicable)— Documentation of any eco-modulation credits you're claiming: mono-material packaging, PCR content percentage, consumer recycling labels, source reduction.

Not sure how much your packaging weighs? Estimate your fees with our calculator— it'll give you a weight-based cost estimate by state.

What happens if you miss the deadline

Penalties are not theoretical. They are written into law and enforced by state agencies. Here's what's at stake:

• California: Up to $50,000 per day of non-compliance
• Minnesota: Up to $100,000 per day for repeat violations
• Colorado: $20,000 + $6,000/day for ongoing violations (3rd offense)
• Oregon: Up to $25,000 per day
• Washington: Up to $10,000 per day (2nd+ violations)

Beyond fines, non-compliance can restrict your ability to sell products in those states. Read the full penalty breakdown →

What to do right now

1. Check your obligations — Use our free Am I Covered? tool to see which states require you to register.
2. Know your deadlines — Check our deadline calendar for each state's registration and reporting dates.
3. Estimate your fees — Use the EPR fee calculator to budget for compliance costs.
4. Gather packaging weight data — Compile total packaging weight by material type for each state you sell into.
5. Review eco-modulation opportunities — Check if you qualify for fee credits — see 7 strategies to reduce your fees.
6. Start the registration process— each state's PRO has an online portal. Don't wait until the deadline.

What comes after May 31

May 31 is just the beginning. After the reporting deadline:

• August 2026: California begins issuing early fee invoices based on reported data
• January 2027: Oregon and Colorado program fees take effect
• July 2027: Additional state fee periods begin
• January 2028: California full program fees begin

Staying ahead of these dates matters. View the full deadline calendar →