The act requires the MPCA to complete assessments to gather critical information about packaging and paper product introduction, use and reuse, and management in Minnesota that will inform the development of the EPR program statewide. The MPCA contracted with Eunomia Research & Consulting for this work.
Preliminary assessment
The preliminary assessment will include:
- a summary of the amount and types of packaging, food packaging, and paper products sold and distributed in and into the state, along with the tonnages collected in the state
- an overview of the existing infrastructure, processing abilities, and capacity of facilities managing these materials
- pricing and contractual information for collection, including organized collection contracting, and service costs
Dates and tasks:
- Oct.-Nov. 2025: data collection
- Nov. 2025: Presentation of the draft report to the Packaging EPR Advisory Board
- Nov.-Dec. 2025: public comment period (30 days) for draft report
- Presentation of findings (information sessions)
- Jan. 2026: Final preliminary assessment report posted
Needs assessment
The needs assessment will include:
- an official baseline for program measures and outcomes – including proposals for statewide requirements
- recommendations on where investments should be made in collection, sorting, and end markets
- a recommended methodology for reimbursement rates for service providers
- an evaluation of environmental improvements and accountability
- an assessment of best practices for education and outreach
Dates and tasks
- Jan.-Feb. 2026: data collection
- Aug, 2026: presentation of the draft report to the Packaging EPR Advisory Board
- Sept.–Nov. 2025: public comment period (60 days) for draft report