Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in 2025: Maryland Joins the Movement Amid Nationwide Momentum

In April 2025, Maryland's General Assembly passed Senate Bill 901 (SB 901), positioning the state to become the sixth in the U.S. to enact an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law for packaging. This legislative move underscores a growing trend across the nation, where states are increasingly holding producers accountable for the lifecycle of their packaging materials.
 

Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Extended Producer Responsibility is an environmental policy approach that assigns producers the responsibility, financial and/or physical, for the treatment or disposal of post-consumer products. In the context of packaging, EPR mandates that producers manage the end-of-life of their packaging materials, promoting sustainable design, reducing waste, and enhancing recycling efforts.
 

Maryland's SB 901: A Closer Look

SB 901 introduces a structured framework for managing packaging waste in Maryland:
 

• Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs): Producers are required to register with a PRO, which will oversee the implementation of EPR plans, set eco-modulated fees based on packaging sustainability, and coordinate recycling efforts.
• Financial Commitments: Producers will reimburse local governments for recycling-related costs, starting with 50% by July 1, 2028, escalating to 75% in 2029, and reaching 90% by 2030.
• Performance Goals: The legislation mandates setting targets for recycling rates, post-consumer recycled content, and contamination reduction, among others. Infrastructure Investment: Funds collected will be allocated to improve recycling, composting, and reuse programs, with a focus on enhancing existing infrastructure.

 

Nationwide EPR Developments

Maryland's legislative action is part of a broader national movement toward EPR for packaging:
 

• Tennessee: The "Waste to Jobs Act" aims to use funding from multinational companies to expand waste services and create jobs for Tennessee residents, positioning the state as a hub for recycling and recycled materials.
• Washington: The "Recycling Reform Act" proposes a system where manufacturers and producers fund recycling services, with requirements to join a PRO or register with the state by March 2029.
• New York: The "Affordable Waste Reduction Act" seeks to establish an efficient program that minimizes costs and inconveniences for consumers while providing producers with a workable system to increase recycling and reuse of packaging and paper products.
• New Jersey: A proposed bill mandates all packaging materials to be recyclable or compostable by 2034, aiming for a 25% reduction in single-use packaging by 2032 and a 65% recycling rate by 2036.

Implications for Producers and the Packaging Industry

The enactment of EPR laws across various states will have several implications:
 

• Design Innovation: Producers may need to redesign packaging to meet recyclability and sustainability criteria, potentially leading to increased use of recyclable or compostable materials.
• Cost Considerations: The introduction of eco-modulated fees means that less sustainable packaging will incur higher costs, incentivizing the adoption of environmentally friendly materials.
• Operational Adjustments: Companies will need to collaborate with PROs, develop compliance strategies, and possibly invest in new technologies or processes to meet the law's requirements.

Adept's Role in Navigating EPR Compliance

At Adept Group, we understand the complexities introduced by EPR legislation. Our multidisciplinary team, comprising engineers and sustainability experts, is equipped to assist clients in:
 

• Assessing Packaging Portfolios: Evaluating current packaging materials and designs to identify areas for improvement in sustainability and compliance.
• Developing Compliance Strategies: Creating actionable plans to meet EPR requirements, including collaboration with PROs and alignment with performance goals.
• Innovating Sustainable Solutions: Designing and implementing packaging solutions that not only comply with regulations but also align with brand values and consumer expectations.

 

Looking Ahead

As more states consider and implement EPR legislation, staying informed and proactive is crucial for companies to maintain compliance and demonstrate environmental stewardship.

For more information on how Adept Group can support your organization in navigating EPR requirements and enhancing packaging sustainability, please visit our Extended Producer Responsibility page.