Bill > H1038

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for enhancing recycling circularity in Massachusetts by mandating minimum post-consumer recycled content requirements for various product categories. Specifically, the bill covers rigid plastic containers, plastic beverage containers, glass containers, paper carryout bags, plastic carryout bags, and plastic trash bags. Starting two years after the bill's effective date, these products must contain a specified percentage of post-consumer recycled content, with percentages increasing over time. For example, rigid plastic containers must start at 10% post-consumer recycled content and increase to 50% over time, while plastic beverage containers must start at 15% and increase to 50%. The Department of Environmental Protection will oversee implementation, including registering producers, conducting audits, and imposing penalties for non-compliance. Producers must annually report their compliance, and the department can grant waivers in certain circumstances, such as when meeting recycled content requirements would conflict with FDA regulations. The bill also creates a Recycling Enhancement Fund from registration fees and penalties, which will be used to support recycling education and market development. Notably, the bill includes exemptions for certain products like medical containers, infant formula packaging, and hazardous material containers, and provides a five-year initial exemption for food packaging containers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1038