Interchange 360 to operate alternative collection program under Washington’s RRA

Interchange 360, a nonprofit, industry-led producer responsibility organization (PRO) based in Palo Alto, California, has been selected by the Washington Department of Ecology to operate an alternative collection program (ACP) on behalf of participating producers under the state’s Recycling Reform Act (RRA), which establishes an extended producer responsibility program.

Interchange 360 says its confirmation establishes it as a compliance pathway for producers of lubricant, petroleum and automotive packaging as the state begins implementing its EPR framework, marking one of the first specialized collection programs recognized under the state’s recycling law.

RELATED: Washington selects Circular Action Alliance as PRO

The nonprofit says an ACP is intended for material streams that require dedicated infrastructure or handling processes that differ from typical household packaging recycling. It notes that when materials 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.

Washington’s Recycling Reform Act, signed into law last year, establishes 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, as well as its recently selected PRO, Circular Action Alliance (CAA). Interchange 360 says 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.

Interchange 360 says it plans to develop and operate a program in Washington that is tailored to the handling, recovery and recycling needs of petroleum and automotive packaging.

“We appreciate the Washington Department of Ecology recognizing the need for specialized collection systems for petroleum and automotive packaging,” Interchange 360 CEO David Lawes says. “These 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.”

The nonprofit says additional program details will be announced as implementation progresses.