Bill > H889

This bill aims to improve plastic bottles and their recycling. It does this by: 1) Prohibiting retailers from selling single-use beverage containers with plastic caps that are not tethered to the container or do not have an opening for consuming the beverage while the cap is still attached. This is to prevent the caps from becoming litter. 2) Establishing minimum recycled content standards for plastic beverage containers, starting at 15% postconsumer recycled plastic in 2024, increasing to 20% in 2026 and 25% in 2027. The Department of Environmental Protection can adjust these standards based on factors like market conditions and technology. 3) Requiring product manufacturers to submit certifications of compliance with the recycled content standards, under penalty of perjury. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to $100,000. The overall goal is to reduce plastic waste and increase the use of recycled materials in plastic beverage containers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/H889