Environment - Packaging and Paper Products - Producer Responsibility Plans

This bill establishes a producer responsibility program requiring companies that make packaging and paper products to submit approved plans to the Maryland Department of the Environment by 2034. Under the new rules, producers must either create their own recycling and collection plans or join a producer responsibility organization that manages these responsibilities on their behalf. The bill also creates a new advisory council to oversee the program, requires independent assessments of statewide recycling needs every ten years, and allows local governments to request reimbursement from producers for certain program costs. Companies cannot sell or distribute covered packaging materials in Maryland unless they have an approved plan on file with the state.