Bill > HB338

This bill establishes new regulations for collecting and disposing of yard waste on state property, specifically targeting employees of the state and contractors working on state buildings and highways. The bill defines yard waste as organic plant waste from gardening, landscaping, and tree trimming activities, including leaves, lawn cuttings, weeds, and prunings. Key provisions prohibit disposing of yard waste in single-use plastic containers and require yard waste to be collected in either reusable containers or compostable paper bags. Additionally, the bill mandates that yard waste must be disposed of at specific facilities, including organics recycling facilities, natural wood waste recycling facilities, or state facilities with on-site mulch or soil amendment capabilities, but only if such a facility is within a 30-mile radius and has the capacity and willingness to accept the waste. The bill applies to most state property collection scenarios, with exceptions for noxious weeds and invasive species. The new regulations will take effect on October 1, 2025, giving state agencies and contractors time to prepare for the changes.

Education, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0338?ys=2025RS