Bill > S610

This bill proposes to establish a producer responsibility program for packaging and paper products in the Commonwealth. The key provisions are: 1. Producers of covered materials (packaging, paper products) sold or distributed in the Commonwealth must establish one or more producer responsibility organizations to administer a packaging and paper products program. This program will assess fees on producers based on the type and weight of packaging they sell, and use those funds to reimburse participating municipalities and collectors for recycling and waste management costs, as well as invest in public education and infrastructure to increase recycling access and rates. 2. Producers can develop alternative collection programs for specific packaging materials, which may partially offset their payment obligations if approved by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The DEP will develop a system to differentiate material costs and adjust fees to incentivize the use of more recyclable and sustainable packaging. 3. The bill creates a Sustainable Packaging Trust fund, administered by the DEP, to cover the agency's costs for overseeing and enforcing the program, as well as potential grant and loan programs related to the collection and recycling of covered materials. 4. The program aims to achieve recycling and recovery rates of 65% by 2027, 80% by 2031, and 100% by 2035 for covered materials managed under the program.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S610