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SB 926

Producer Responsibility for Packaging and Paper Products - Definition of Exempt Material - Alteration

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Harris

SB 926 redefines exempt materials in Maryland's packaging producer responsibility program, adjusting which products manufacturers must manage at end-of-life.

Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 926

Legislative bill overview

SB 926 modifies Maryland's producer responsibility program for packaging and paper products by altering the definition of "exempt material" and the criteria for what qualifies as exempt from producer responsibility requirements. The bill appears to adjust which materials producers must manage under the state's extended producer responsibility (EPR) framework, potentially expanding or narrowing the scope of covered materials.

Why is this important

Producer responsibility laws shift waste management costs from municipalities to manufacturers, incentivizing companies to design less wasteful packaging. Changes to exempt material definitions directly affect which businesses bear financial responsibility for end-of-life management and can significantly influence packaging choices and waste streams in Maryland. This impacts both consumer costs and municipal recycling program funding.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Expanding the definition of covered materials increases producer obligations and compliance expenses, which could be passed to consumers through higher prices
  • Competitive disadvantage: Changes to exemptions may affect different industries unevenly, creating winners and losers among manufacturers already operating under existing rules
  • Implementation clarity: Altering material definitions requires clear regulatory guidance; ambiguous language could lead to disputes between producers, regulators, and waste management entities over what qualifies as exempt

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

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