The Maryland General Assembly has passed MD SB 901, which would enact a paper and packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) program in Maryland. SB 901 now awaits Governor Wes Moore’s signature. If signed by the Governor, Maryland will join California, Colorado, Maine, Minnesota, and Oregon to become the sixth U.S. state to enact this type of legislation.    

The bill would require the producers of packaging and paper products to financially support the statewide recycling improvements. In general, companies that sell packaged products under their brand names will be required to join a producer responsibility organization (PRO) that will collect producer fees to implement a paper and packaging EPR program. The PRO, who must be approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment, would register each year starting July 1, 2026. The approved PRO must submit a five-year producer responsibility plan by July 1, 2028, and conduct a statewide needs assessment at least once each decade. Under SB 901, brand owners are required to pay 50% of the residential recycling cost starting July 1, 2028, increasing to 75% by July 1, 2029, and to 90% by July 1, 2030. SB 901 does not include specific performance targets. Instead, within 5 years of plan approval, the PRO must determine targets for recycling, composting, waste reduction, reuse, return rates, and post-consumer recycled content usage for each covered material type.     

Governor Moore has 30 days to consider this bill. ISPA will keep its membership updated on any significant developments regarding this legislation.