Interchange 360, a nonprofit, industry-led Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), announced that the Washington Department of Ecology has confirmed Interchange 360 as the entity intending to operate an Alternative Collection Program (ACP) on behalf of participating producers under the stateâs Recycling Reform Act (RRA).
The confirmation establishes Interchange 360 as a compliance pathway for producers of lubricant, petroleum, and automotive packaging as Washington begins implementing its new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, marking one of the first specialized collection programs recognized under the stateâs recycling reform law.
An ACP is intended for material streams that require dedicated infrastructure or handling processes that differ from typical household packaging recycling. When materials can contain residual product, require specialized transport, or rely on sector-specific recovery systems, regulators may approve an ACP to support safe collection and effective recycling outcomes.
Washingtonâs Recycling Reform Act, signed into law in 2025, established a statewide EPR program for residential packaging and paper products. The law requires producers that introduce packaging into the state to finance and manage end-of-life recycling systems through approved compliance structures overseen by the Washington Department of Ecology. The program is part of a growing national shift toward producer-funded recycling systems intended to expand recycling access, improve recovery rates, and modernize waste management infrastructure.
Washington officials have also selected Circular Action Alliance as the PRO responsible for implementing the stateâs broader packaging EPR program. Interchange 360 plans to develop and operate the program in Washington, tailored to the handling, recovery and recycling needs of petroleum and automotive packaging. âWe appreciate the Washington Department of Ecology recognizing the need for specialized collection systems for petroleum and automotive packaging,â said David Lawes, CEO of Interchange 360. âThese materials require different handling and infrastructure than typical household packaging. Our goal is to work with producers, regulators, and industry partners across Washington to build a responsible system that supports safe collection, effective recycling, and long-term environmental outcomes.â