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 end-of-life management.
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, manufacturers either invest in recycling infrastructure so taxpayers do not have to, provide free drop-off locations and handle logistics 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.
Products Covered by EPR
Electronics (E-Waste): For
electronic waste, the Statewide Electronics Recycling Program incentivizes manufacturers of items like computers and televisions to provide free take-back at retail establishments where their electronics are sold.
Paint: Under the Maryland Paint Stewardship Act, paint manufacturers are responsible for collecting and properly recycling or disposing of leftover paint through the paint stewardship program.
Packaging and Paper Products: The Packaging and Paper Products – Producer Responsibility Plans Act was signed into law on May 13, 2025. This law requires producers of packaging and paper products to pay fees that help cover the cost of recycling these materials.
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 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 reduce emissions compared to extraction.
Cleaner Communities: These programs can help reduce litter, plastic pollution, and illegal dumping.
What You Can Do
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 convening 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. Since State agencies are required to recycle, MDE expects the cost of collecting that recycling to significantly reduce, saving taxpayers money.
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 Within Recycling Systems
Appendix I: Review and Analysis of Packaging EPR Programs
Packaging and Paper Products Advisory Council
Members of the EPR for Packaging and Paper Products Advisory Council include multiple stakeholders such as 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 Gourmet
Scott DeFife — Glass Packaging Institute
Abigail Sztein — American Forest & 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 Construction
Miguel Lambert — Repurpose Aggregates
Gurcharan Singh — WAH Global
Advisory Council Supplementary Materials
Meetings
Upcoming meeting information:
Packaging and Paper Product EPR Advisory Council Meeting
Tuesday, February 10 · 9:00 – 11:00am EST
Or dial: (US) +1 423-806-0232 PIN: 329 140 956#
Meetings generally will be held monthly and are virtual. 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.
Previous Meetings Archive
Contact Information
For additional information or questions, please contact the Resource Management Program at [email protected] or 410-537-3314.
