Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program

Maryland's SB 346 establishes a refund program for beverage containers to boost recycling and reduce litter. It requires all redeemable containers sold in the state to display refund information, includes the refund value in both wholesale and retail prices, and mandates retailers to show this on customer receipts. Producers must register with the state, pay fees, and join a stewardship organization to manage the program, while counties can create redemption facilities to help meet recycling targets. The law aims to increase container reuse and recycling rates, reduce pollution from discarded containers, and fund public water refill stations through a new grant program. This directly affects beverage producers, retailers, consumers, and local governments managing redemption sites.