Packaging Stewardship Program and Fund; established.

Packaging Stewardship Program and Fund; established.Establishes the Packaging Stewardship Program (the Program), administeredby the Department of Environmental Quality. Under the Program, aproducer that sells products with packaging materials in the Commonwealthpays a fee to the Department based upon the amount of packaging used and whether or not it is easily recyclable. A producer may establishan alternative collection program to offset some or all of the fees.The fees are paid into the Packaging Stewardship Fund, establishedin the bill, and are used to reimburse participating localities for expenses related to recycling, invest in recycling infrastructureand education, and pay administrative costs related to the Program.The bill authorizes the Department to contract with a third partyto administer the Program.