Packaging Reduction!
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We did it! The Trash Free Maryland Coalition successfully advanced a proposal to reduce packaging waste through a producer responsibility policy in Maryland. It was all hands on deck throughout the 2023 legislative session!
The legislation, expected to be signed by Governor Moore, will start a process with the potential to transform our system of recycling by shifting responsibility for recycling from taxpayers to the producers of packaging who design it. Producer responsibility for packaging, an approach in place in Europe, Canada and other parts of the world, creates an incentive based system encouraging better design of packaging, reducing its volume and increasing its recyclability.
Senator Malcolm Augustine led the way. Delegate Sara Love headed up efforts in the House. The legislation defines who producers are, requires the Department of Environment to designate a ‘Producer Responsibility Organization’ by October and appoint an Advisory Council on Producer Responsibility.
A “Needs Assessment” will look at everything waste and recycling related in Maryland including markets for recycled goods, job opportunities, equity issues and the costs and benefits of a producer responsibility approach. Based on the '“Needs Assessment,” the Advisory Council will recommend the best approach to the Governor and the Legislature in 2024. Full implementation requires additional legislation. You can read the legislation here.
This major policy shift, three years in the making, takes years to fully implement. We are so excited to be underway! The Trash Free Maryland Coalition has helped achieve many victories - from banning microbeads in personal care products to the first in the nation polystyrene ban for food containers. This is our first systemic shift! Thank you for being a supporter. It makes all the difference.
