Bill > SB346

This bill establishes the Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program, a comprehensive system designed to increase beverage container recycling and reduce litter. The program requires producers of beverage containers to create a stewardship organization that will manage a statewide container redemption system, with the ultimate goal of achieving a 90% redemption rate by 2032 and ensuring at least 10% of beverage containers are returned and refilled by 2035. Starting in January 2028, each redeemable beverage container will include a refund value of 10 cents for containers 24 fluid ounces or less and 15 cents for larger containers, which will be included in the wholesale and retail prices. The program mandates that retailers and redemption facilities accept empty containers for refunds through various methods like reverse vending machines and bag drop programs. Producers will be required to register with the Department of the Environment, pay registration fees, and participate in a stewardship organization that develops a plan to meet recycling targets. The bill also creates a Beverage Container Recycling Refund Grant Program to fund projects that increase container reuse, recycling, and reduce litter, and establishes an advisory council to provide guidance on program implementation. Penalties will be imposed on producers and organizations that fail to meet the program's performance targets, with the goal of creating a more sustainable and efficient beverage container recycling system in Maryland.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0346?ys=2025RS