Retail
Product Stewardship Stateholder Group Begins Work
Link to main DEQ Product Stewardship Task Force page here.
Link to group roster here.
Oregon DEQ’s Product Stewardship Stakeholder Group had its first meeting on Friday, January 29, 2010. The group discussed the workplan suggested by DEQ; reviewed the DEQ set “group goals;” heard presentations on the product stewardship background; Oregon’s current electronics recycling project; and on the soon to be launched paint stewardship pilot.
Group goals as suggested by DEQ:
- Become informed about the current “state of the practice” in product stewardship;
- Use the experience and expertise of the stakeholders to develop a report that addresses:
a. Fulfilling the promise of product stewardship to address the impacts of products across their lifecycle;
b. How stewardship programs are best set up and run – e.g., financing, producer responsibility organizations, and general structure;
c. Elements of a successful program – e.g., performance goals, convenience standards, environmental management;
d. Identification and selection of products. - Provide DEQ with guidance about how solid waste policy and programs can incorporate the product stewardship approach;
- Consider potential legislative recommendations for the 2011 legislature.
Materials handed out to the committee stated that: “The group is not being asked to define product stewardship. The group is not discussing “whether or not” product stewardship, but rather ‘how’ product stewardship. The group is striving for greater knowledge, not necessarily consensus.” When questioned about this ban on “whether or not” discussions, DEQ staff response differed. One staff member said that since Oregon already has product stewardship programs (paint and electronics), the question had been settled. Another staff member indicated a more flexible approach, saying that conversations about the size and number of product stewardship programs were important and expected.
DEQ proposed a workplan for the committee covering eight meetings:
- First meeting for organizational purposes (held January 29, 2010);
- Two meetings on governance issues, including:
- System financing;
- Convenience standards;
- Performance measures;
- Disposal bans;
- Roles and responsibilities of retailers, manufacturers, consumers, etc.
- One meeting on environmental and health protection aspects of product stewardship programs;
- One meeting on “upstream improvements” that could be encouraged through product stewardship programs;
- Two meetings on moving forward:
- Product identification;
- Voluntary and legislated programs;
- Harmonization of Oregon product stewardship programs with those of other jurisdictions.
- Final meeting for comment of draft report.
Although not firm, proposed future meeting dates are: March 10, April 22, June 17, July 28, September 15, October 14, and November 9.
