Maryland has approved an extended producer responsibility (EPR) bill intended to pass along the costs of recycling end-of-life packaging to producers.
The bill must be signed into law by Governor Wes Moore (D).
Maryland's producer responsibility law establishes fees for consumer goods producers generating more than $1mn/yr in the state.
The fees are intended to reimburse municipal recycling programs for their expenses and to improve recycling infrastructure within the state.
The next steps following the law's passage will be choosing a producer responsibility organization (PRO) by July 2025 to complete a needs assessment for Maryland's recycling system, with the state's initial five-year plan due by July 2028.
The bill requires eco-modulation of fees, meaning that packaging materials incorporating recycled content will receive a discount in fees paid through the program.
If signed by Governor Moore, Maryland will become the [sixth US state]( https://direct.argusmedia.com/newsandanalysis/article/2660158) to establish a producer responsibility law for plastic packaging.
