Packaging and paper products account for more than one-third of the state’s municipal solid waste (MSW) stream. The Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act (Minn. Stat. § 115A.144-115A.1463) creates an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for packaging and paper products statewide. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) contracted with Eunomia to complete a Preliminary Assessment and Needs Assessment as required in the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act. The two assessments will gather critical information about packaging and paper product introduction, use and reuse, and management in Minnesota (MN) that will inform the development of the EPR program statewide. The Preliminary Assessment sets the stage prior to the comprehensive Needs Assessment. It includes: • An overview of the characteristics of recycling and composting programs in the state; • An overview of existing infrastructure; • A summary of the amount and types of packaging, food packaging, and paper products introduced by producers into the state, along with the tonnages collected for recycling in the state; and • High-level insight into service costs and contractual arrangements for collection.