How to Streamline Complex EPR Compliance: 5 Essential Tips for Brands

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws are rapidly expanding across the United States, with seven states already enacting packaging regulations and more on the horizon. This creates new compliance obligations for certain brands that sell packaged goods into these states.  As deadlines approach, brands are discovering that EPR reporting can be overwhelming without the right strategy – especially when navigating state-by-state differences in reporting formats, data requirements, and exemptions. 

Take our EPR liability survey

We’ve worked with a number of brands navigating this shift and have seen the same patterns emerge—tight timelines, unclear guidance, and disjointed data. But with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be a fire drill every time.

Here are five proven tips to streamline your EPR compliance process and avoid costly missteps

1. Start with Smart Data Collection

The biggest time sink in EPR compliance is gathering packaging data across multiple teams and systems. Focus on collecting only the data you actually need for reporting—don't boil the ocean. Work with sales, procurement, and product teams to identify your covered materials and establish clear data collection templates. Many brands waste weeks hunting down irrelevant information when a targeted approach can reduce data collection time by 70%.

We recommend starting with a prioritized list of required data points—typically packaging weight by material type, format, and SKU, mapped against state-specific requirements and other specifics like color or recyclability profile. In our experience, simply defining what not to collect can cut project timelines in half.

2. Understand Your Reporting Options

Most brands don't realize they have choices in how they report and pay EPR fees. Low-volume producers often have multiple reporting pathways with dramatically different fee structures. For example, some brands have saved thousands by choosing comprehensive reporting over flat-fee options, while others benefit from the reverse. On the other hand, the options available in Oregon will differ from those in Colorado or California. Understanding these nuances can mean the difference between paying $360 and $4,400 for the same compliance obligation—and the risk of overpaying only grows as you expand to more states.

Each state's rules vary not just in format, but in the structure of fees—flat rates, per-ton costs, exemptions, and minimum thresholds. Even the definition of “low-volume” can differ. At rePurpose Global, we simulate all eligible reporting paths side-by-side to help brands select the lowest-cost, compliant option.

3. Plan for Multi-State Scalability

Don't treat each state as a separate project. Design your data architecture and processes to work across all current and future EPR states. While Oregon, Colorado, and California have different reporting structures, the core packaging data requirements (packaging material type, format, weight, recyclability, and sales volumes) remains largely consistent. Building scalable systems upfront transforms future compliance from months-long projects into simple data exports.

This is especially important as legislation continues to expand. Maryland, Washington, Vermont, New Jersey, and Illinois are actively developing or considering EPR programs, with more to follow. The rePurpose Global platform is built with this rapid expansion in mind: once you are compliant in one state, our system makes it easy to report for net-new regulations with just a few clicks. 

Scalability matters beyond just EPR. In 2025 alone, brands must navigate:
– Labeling bans like California’s SB 343, which restricts the ♻️ symbol on non-recyclable packaging
– Recycled content mandates, such as New Jersey’s PCR reports due July 18
– Deposit system expansions like New York’s “Bigger Better Bottle Bill”
– Overlapping reporting deadlines across three states in the same quarter

Without scalable infrastructure, every state becomes a new fire drill.

4. Identify Exemptions and Optimize Categories

EPR regulations include numerous exemptions and material categorizations that significantly impact your fees. Durable packaging, certain compostable materials, and products below tonnage thresholds may be exempt or qualify for reduced fees. 

Additionally, proper material categorization across 140+ possible categories can substantially reduce your annual dues. We often find brands default to over-conservative categories due to unclear or missing spec sheets. That might seem safe—but it can cost thousands. 

One of our clients had a shipping liner misclassified as flexible film in Oregon—we corrected it, cutting the fee by more than 50%. Getting these details right amidst a sea of complex data can help you avoid significantly overpaying year after year.

5. Build Internal Expertise—But Don’t Reinvent the Wheel

EPR isn't going away—it's expanding rapidly. Invest in building internal knowledge about packaging regulations, fee structures, and reporting requirements to build a strong foundation for what’s to come. However, recognize when external expertise can accelerate your timeline, improve accuracy, and reduce the risk of costly missteps—especially as regulations continue to evolve.

We recommend assigning a single internal lead to coordinate cross-functional inputs across packaging, sustainability, and operations—while relying on a trusted partner to handle fee optimization, audit documentation, and reporting across states.

Who should be involved? Packaging & procurement teams handle material specs, supply chain or logistics teams provide sales and distribution data, and sustainability leads guide recyclability and PCR assessments. Aligning these roles upfront avoids costly handoffs and delays.

Getting Expert Support

Working with someone who knows the ins and outs of EPR can turn a stressful, expensive process into a smooth, low-cost one. It’s the difference between simply checking a box and truly getting it right—setting your brand up for long-term success as EPR expands state by state.

rePurpose Global has guided 300+ brands through EPR compliance and packaging claims, reducing typical 2+ month processes to approximately 2 weeks. Our platform handles the complexity of multi-state reporting while optimizing fees and ensuring accurate categorization.

With EPR deadlines approaching and enforcement mechanisms strengthening, taking action now protects your brand from fines up to $25,000 per day while positioning you for seamless compliance across all future states.

Ready to streamline your EPR compliance? Schedule a consultation with rePurpose Global to learn how we can reduce your compliance timeline and optimize your fees.