Destination… Maryland

The sixth state in the US to enact packaging EPR legislation

On 13 May 2025, Maryland´s Governor approved Senate Bill 901 into law (effective 1 June 2025), which establishes a statewide extended producer responsibility (EPR) programme for packaging.

Maryland now becomes the sixth state in the US to enact such packaging EPR legislation: after Maine (2021), Oregon (2021), Colorado (2022), California (2022) and Minnesota (2024).

The legislation covers packaging and paper products, and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) will develop the list of covered materials.

The legislation requires producers of covered materials to bear the costs associated with their collection, transportation and processing, and to submit (individually or as a part of a PRO) producer responsibility plans to the Department by 1 July 2028, and every five years thereafter.

A producer can join an approved PRO or develop an alternative programme as of July 2026.

Track developments in Maryland with Landbell Group’s Global EPR Information Services.

Hot on the heels of Maryland, Washington became the seventh state to enact EPR for packaging on 17 May 2025.

More details will follow in July’s Compass.