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HB 92

Environment - Beverage Containers Connected With Plastic Rings - Restriction on Sale

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dylan Behler and 5 co-sponsors

Maryland would ban the sale of beverage containers with plastic ring connectors, requiring alternative packaging to reduce wildlife entanglement and landfill pollution.

Hearing 2/04 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 92

Legislative bill overview

HB 92 would prohibit the sale of beverage containers connected with plastic rings in Maryland. The bill restricts a common packaging practice used primarily with multi-packs of cans and bottles, requiring manufacturers and retailers to use alternative packaging methods for beverages sold in the state.

Why is this important

Plastic ring connectors (six-pack rings) are a significant source of ocean and landfill pollution, frequently entangling wildlife and persisting in the environment for decades. This legislation directly addresses a preventable waste stream that has documented ecological impacts, while potentially influencing beverage packaging practices across the broader market.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic impact on manufacturers and retailers – Switching to alternative packaging (cardboard, plastic-free carriers, or bulk packaging) could increase production costs, which may be passed to consumers or absorbed by businesses
  • Feasibility and implementation timeline – Manufacturers may argue insufficient time to retool production lines and develop compliant alternatives, particularly smaller beverage producers
  • Scope and effectiveness – Critics may question whether a single-state ban is sufficient given interstate commerce, or whether it addresses only a fraction of plastic waste compared to other packaging sources

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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