Bill > S517

This bill proposes to establish a producer responsibility program for packaging and paper products sold or distributed in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Requiring producers of covered materials to establish and fund a producer responsibility organization(s) to manage a packaging and paper products program, including collecting fees from producers based on the type and weight of materials they sell, and reimbursing participating municipalities and collectors for recycling and waste management costs. 2. Establishing requirements for the producer responsibility plan, including funding mechanisms, investment in public education and infrastructure, and achieving recycling and reuse rate targets. 3. Allowing producers to develop alternative collection programs that can offset their participation in the main program. 4. Creating a Sustainable Packaging Trust funded by fees and penalties to cover the state's administrative costs for overseeing and enforcing the program. The overall goal is to shift the costs and responsibilities of managing packaging and paper waste from municipalities to the producers, while increasing recycling and reuse rates for these materials across the state.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S517