Bill > H878

This bill aims to save recycling costs in the commonwealth by establishing a producer responsibility program for packaging and paper products. The key provisions are: 1. Producers of covered materials sold or distributed in the state must form one or more producer responsibility organizations to operate a packaging and paper products program. This program will assess and collect payments from producers based on the type and weight of packaging material they sell, and use those funds to reimburse participating municipalities for their recycling and waste management costs. 2. The program requires convenient and free consumer access to collection services for all residents, and aims to achieve recycling and reduction rates of at least 65% by 2027, 80% by 2031, and 100% by 2035. 3. Producers must report annually on the tons of each type of packaging material they sell, and the program must fund representative audits of recycling facilities, waste disposal, and litter. 4. The bill establishes a sustainable packaging trust funded by administrative fees and penalties, which will cover the Department of Environmental Protection's costs to oversee and enforce the program. Overall, this bill shifts the financial responsibility for recycling and waste management of packaging and paper products from municipalities to the producers of those materials, in an effort to increase recycling rates and reduce recycling costs for the commonwealth.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/H878