Maryland is taking steps to reduce waste and improve recycling by shifting more responsibility to the companies that create the products we use every day. This approach is called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Instead of putting the burden on taxpayers and local governments to manage recyclable materials, this policy makes manufacturers responsible for the end of life management of these materials.
The policy requires producers—such as companies that make packaging, electronics, or paint—to take responsibility for what happens to their products after consumers are done using them. EPR can be implemented in a few different ways. Typically this means that the manufacturers are either investing in the recycling infrastructure so the taxpayers do not have to, or the manufacturers provide free drop off locations and handle the logistics of getting recyclable materials to recycling markets, or both.
The goal is to reduce waste, increase recycling rates, promote reuse, and encourage companies to design products that are less harmful to the environment. When producers are responsible for their waste, they are more likely to make smarter choices about materials and packaging.
Some of the products subject to this policy include:
Electronics (E-Waste): For electronic waste, incentivizing manufacturers of items like computers and televisions to provide free take back at retail establishments where their electronics are sold.
Paint: Paint manufacturers are responsible for collecting and properly recycling or disposing of leftover paint through our paint stewardship program.
Packaging:
Legislation is being considered that would require producers to pay fees to help cover the cost of recycling their packaging materials, such as plastic containers, cardboard boxes, and paper.
Policy Goals
Less Waste in Landfills: When companies are responsible for their products, they have an incentive to reduce waste and improve recycling. The State of Maryland currently has between 22 and 35 years of landfill capacity.
Lower Costs for Taxpayers: Instead of local governments and taxpayers paying for waste management, producers cover the cost of disposal and recycling.
More Sustainable Products: Companies may switch to more eco-friendly packaging and materials to lower costs and meet recycling goals.
Fewer Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Recycling and reusing materials drastically reduce carbon emissions compared to extraction, meaning a greatly reduced need to take minerals from the Earth.
Cleaner Communities: These programs can help reduce litter, plastic pollution, and illegal dumping.
What You Can Do
Consumers also play an important role in reducing trash and pollution, because your activity drives the behavior of industry. Here are some things you can do to make a difference.
Recycle Properly: Follow local recycling guidelines to ensure materials get processed correctly.
Buy Responsibly: Choose products with minimal or recyclable packaging.
Support Legislation: Stay informed about policies in Maryland and other states.
Read More About It
State law requires us to improve recycling by assessing statewide needs and convene an advisory council to develop an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for packaging. The Department of the Environment selected a team of experts to conduct this assessment in 2024, aiming to set realistic goals for waste reduction and recycling.
The study found that a well-designed EPR program could increase the state's recycling rate from 34% to over 50%, generate $202 million in material value, reduce over 1 million metric tons of carbon emissions, and create more than 2,000 jobs—all without major impacts on the state budget. In fact, since State agencies are required to recycle. MDE expects the cost of collecting that recycling to significantly reduce, saving tax payers money.
While initial costs may be higher, they decrease as recycling volumes grow. Key recommendations include aligning EPR targets with current recycling systems, improving public education, and supporting communities to maximize participation and environmental benefits.
Read the full needs assessment
Appendix A:
Waste Characterization Study
Appendix B:
Residential Recycling Analysis
Appendix C:
Infrastructure and Capacity
Appendix D:
Workers Conditions, Wages, and Benefits
Appendix E:
Opportunities for Women and Minority Individuals
Appendix F:
Multifamily and Commercial Recycling Services
Appendix G:
Recycling Economic Opportunities
Appendix H:
Equity Wthin Recycling Systems
Appendix I:
Review and Analysis of Packaging EPR Programs
Advisory Council
Members of the EPR Advisory Council include multiple stakeholders, including local government collectors, processors, environmental advocates, residents, and the producer responsibility organization. The members are:
- Angie Webb - Maryland Environmental Service - Cochair
- Michael Okoroafor - McCormick - Cochair
- Lee Zimmerman - Frederick County on behalf of MACo
- John Neyman - Republic Services
- Frankie Sherman - Charles County
- Chris Pilzer - WM
- Eileen Kao - Montgomery County
- Vinnie Bevivino - Bioenergy Devco
- Ellen Valentino - MD-DE-DC Beverage Association
- William Singleton - Mars Inc.
- Mario Minor - Market Fresh Gourme t
- Scott DeFife - Glass Packaging Institute
- Abigail Sztein - America Forest and Paper Association
- Delphine Dahan Kocher - Constellium
- Peter Hargreave - Circular Action Alliance
- Chaz Miller - Maryland Recycling Network
- Kelly Doordan - Trash Free Maryland
- Martha Ainsworth - Sierra Club
- Crystal Faison - Shepherd Design and Con struction
- Miguel Lambert - Repurpose Aggregates
- Gurcharan Singh - WAH Global
Advisory Council Supplementary Materials
Meetings
Meetings generally will be held
monthly on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. virtually. Dates and times are subject to change. All meetings are open to the public, and time is set aside at each for public comments. Recordings of meetings can be found on our
YouTube channel.
Archived Meetings:
2025
Packaging Advisory Council Meeting 13
Feb. 20 · 9am – 11am |
Packaging Advisory Council Meeting 12
Feb. 13 · 9am – 11am |
Packaging Advisory Council Meeting 11
Feb. 6 · 9:30am – 11:30am
Meeting Video |
Packaging Advisory Council Meeting 10
Feb. 3 · 9:30am – 11:30am
Meeting Video |
Packaging Advisory Council Meeting 9
Jan. 9 · 8am – 10am
Meeting Video |
|
2024
Contact Information
For additional information or questions, please call 410-537-3314.