HB 3060, introduced into the Oregon State Legislature in February 2009, would require the producers of covered products to submit a product stewardship plan to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Products identified include rechargeable batteries and lighting products that contain mercury. The producers must offer take back of their products at no cost to the user when the products are brought in for recycling.
The plan must include a description of the system for collecting the discarded products, the processing and recycling/disposal system, the education/outreach tools used to advertise the program, and performance goals. If a producer fails to submit a plan, the product would be prohibited from being sold in the state. Retailers cannot sell products made by producers that are not participating in an approved product stewardship plan. After an evaluation is conducted, DEQ may recommend up to two products per year to the Environmental Quality Commission (EQC) for approval. Approved recommendations from EQC must be submitted in a report to the Legislative Assembly. The bill did not pass.