Maryland

Baltimore Harbor

The Environment – Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment and Producer Responsibility for Packaging Materials Act requires the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) to conduct a needs assessment of the state’s recycling system. Additionally, the statute calls for the formation of an Advisory Council to advise on the development of an EPR for packaging legislative proposal, and the appointment of a single nonprofit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) to represent the interests of producers.  

On October 18, 2023, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) selected CAA to represent producer interests and serve as the single nonprofit PRO on the State Producer Responsibility Advisory Council. In May 2025, Maryland passed SB 901, an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law for packaging and paper products. This was preceded by SB 222 (2023), which required the Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) to conduct a needs assessment of the state’s recycling system, form an Advisory Council and to appoint a single non-profit Producer Responsibility organization (PRO).  On October 18, 2023, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) selected CAA to represent producer interests and serve as the single nonprofit PRO on the State Producer Responsibility Advisory Council. In 2025, MDE reaffirmed CAA as the PRO for the first 5-year program plan required under SB 901. Maryland adopted rules for this program, which become effective on May 25, 2026. 

FAQ Timeline

FAQ

Key Information for Producers

  • CAA was selected as the PRO for Maryland in October 2023.  

  • Producers must register with CAA by May 31, 2026 to meet the July 1, 2026 requirement from the PRO to provide the Maryland Department of the Environment a list of producers, brands and material type information. 

  • Producers must provide simplified reporting to CAA by May 31, 2026 to inform program planning. Producers will be required to report to CAA annually by May 31 as part of the PRO registration requirements to the Maryland Department of the Environment. 

  • Producers will start reimbursing a percentage of collection and processing costs July 1, 2028. The collection of fees will likely begin before that date, however, the dates have not yet been determined.  

  • The Producer Responsibility Plan, prepared by CAA on behalf of producers who join the PRO, and any Independent Producer Responsibility Plans, prepared by producers who do not join the PRO, must be submitted to Maryland Department of the Environment for review and approval by July 1, 2028 after consultation with the Maryland Advisory Council and consideration of their recommendations. 

Key Milestones in the Regulatory and Implementation Process

  • May 8, 2023

    Governor Moore Signs the Environment – Statewide Recycling Needs Assessment and Producer Responsibility for Packaging Materials Act (SB 0222).

  • September 25, 2023

    PRO Applications Due.

  • October 18, 2023

    MDE Selects CAA as the Single Nonprofit PRO.

  • January 2025

    MDE Reports Needs Assessment Results to the Governor.

  • May 13, 2025

    SB 901 Signed into Law.

 Source: Maryland Department of the Environment.

Advisory Council

Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has appointed the 21 members of the state Advisory Council. MDE hosted the first Advisory Council meeting on May 30, 2024. For more information regarding meetings, visit MDE’s website.