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HB 69

Environment - Plastic Products - Postconsumer Recycled Content Program

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lorig Charkoudian and 11 co-sponsors

Maryland mandates minimum recycled plastic content in products sold statewide, establishing escalating compliance standards to boost circular economy and reduce virgin plastic consumption.

Hearing 2/14 at 1:30 p.m. (Environment and Transportation)
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Bill Summary · HB 69

Legislative bill overview

HB 69 establishes a postconsumer recycled content (PCRC) program for plastic products in Maryland, requiring manufacturers to incorporate minimum percentages of recycled plastic into their products. The bill sets escalating recycled content standards over time and creates compliance mechanisms for producers selling plastic products in the state.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses plastic waste management by creating economic incentives for recycling infrastructure and reducing virgin plastic demand. It aims to increase Maryland's circular economy while potentially reducing landfill burden, though it will likely increase production costs that may be passed to consumers.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and competitiveness: Manufacturers may face increased production expenses, potentially raising consumer prices or pushing companies to relocate operations to states without similar requirements
  • Recycled material supply: The program's success depends on adequate PCRC availability; insufficient supply could make compliance impossible and drive up raw material costs
  • Interstate commerce concerns: Individual state plastic mandates may conflict with federal commerce principles and create a patchwork of state regulations that burden multi-state producers

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

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