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HF 1371

Paper products exempted from the extended producer responsibility program managing solid waste.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Burkel and 1 co-sponsor

Minnesota bill exempts paper products from extended producer responsibility program, potentially shifting waste management costs from manufacturers to municipalities and consumers.

Author added Schultz as chief author
#wasteandwastemanagement
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Bill Summary · HF 1371

Legislative bill overview

HF 1371 would exempt paper products from Minnesota's extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for solid waste management. Extended producer responsibility programs typically require manufacturers and producers to manage the end-of-life disposal of their products. This bill carves out paper products from those obligations.

Why is this important

EPR programs shift waste management costs from municipalities and taxpayers to producers, theoretically incentivizing more sustainable product design. Exempting paper products—a significant waste stream—would reduce producer financial responsibility for paper waste management and likely increase the burden on local governments and consumers to manage paper disposal separately.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry vs. public cost allocation: Paper industry groups may support exemption to reduce compliance costs, while environmental advocates and municipalities may oppose shifting costs back to the public sector
  • Program effectiveness: Critics argue exempting major waste categories undermines EPR program goals of making producers accountable for full product lifecycles and incentivizing sustainable design
  • Scope definition: Unclear whether "paper products" includes all paper waste, packaging, or specific categories—ambiguity could create implementation and enforcement challenges
  • Market competitiveness: Exempting paper while keeping other materials in EPR could create unequal competitive pressures across packaging industries

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

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