Packaging Waste – Maryland Enacts Producer Responsibility Legislation

On May 8, 2023, the Governor of Maryland signed SB 22, titled "Environment – Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment and Producer Responsibility for Packaging Materials” https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/legislation/details/sb0222?ys=2023rs and https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2023RS/fnotes/bil_0002/sb0222.pdf which “… requires the Office of Recycling … to hire an independent consultant to conduct a statewide recycling needs assessment. The Office of Recycling must report the results of the assessment … by July 30, 2024. By October 1, 2023, MDE must approve a single producer responsibility organization to represent the interests of producers ... The bill also establishes the Producer Responsibility Advisory Council to provide advice and make recommendations regarding establishing and implementing a producer responsibility program … for packaging materials. The advisory council must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor and specified committees of the General Assembly by December 1, 2024. The bill also establishes related definitions and alters the definition of ‘organics recycling’ …” #PlasticWaste #SingleUsePlastic #EPR #Recycling #FoodPackaging @GovWesMoore