On May 13, 2025, Maryland enacted Senate Bill 901, establishing a mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for packaging and paper products. This law marks a turning point for businesses that manufacture, import, or sell packaged goods in the state. Maryland is now the sixth U.S. state to adopt an EPR compliance framework, with enforcement beginning gradually but bringing new financial, operational, and compliance obligations for producers.

Who is affected by Maryland’s EPR regulation?

The EPR regulation applies to:

• Manufacturers, importers, and brand owners of packaging or paper products sold in Maryland
• Online retailers that ship products directly to consumers in Maryland
• Distributors and fulfillment services that handle packaging materials

This reflects a major shift in EPR system responsibility—from municipalities to producers—requiring businesses to reevaluate packaging waste strategies.

EPR cost timeline and compliance milestones in Maryland

Maryland’s EPR legislation does not take effect immediately but follows a structured implementation plan:

• By July 2028: Businesses must pay for at least 50% of statewide curbside recycling costs
• By 2029: The cost share increases to 75%
• By 2030: Businesses will be responsible for 90% of recycling-related costs

This phased rollout gives businesses time to assess packaging materials, update supply chains, and budget for EPR compliance. By 2028, companies must be enrolled with a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) and submit a five-year EPR compliance plan.

What EPR costs will Maryland businesses be responsible for?

Under the new EPR system, producers must reimburse:

• Collection and transportation of packaging waste
• Sorting and processing of recyclable materials
• Public education and outreach
• Administrative and auditing functions

Additionally, companies must help fund improvements to recycling infrastructure and EPR systems across the state.

What Maryland businesses should do now to prepare for EPR compliance

To get ready for upcoming EPR obligations:

• Conduct a packaging audit – Identify which of your products fall under the scope of the law
• Evaluate recyclability – Shift toward packaging that is reusable, recyclable, or compostable
• Engage with a PRO – Maryland will require producers to join a certified Producer Responsibility Organization
• Track costs and materials – Start internal tracking to prepare for EPR reporting
• Plan budgets – Factor in expected EPR compliance costs for future operations

Need help navigating Maryland’s EPR requirements?
Contact our experts at Lovat — we’ll simplify your packaging audit, PRO registration, and EPR reporting, so you can focus on your business.

Lessons from other EPR programs: what businesses can learn

Businesses can look to successful EPR implementations in British Columbia and California to understand what’s coming. These programs show that early engagement leads to cost savings and smoother adaptation. Maryland’s law also reflects elements from Minnesota’s 2024 EPR law, promoting extended producer responsibility and circular economy design.

Strategic benefits of early EPR compliance

While EPR compliance introduces new costs, it also offers long-term benefits:

• Brand positioning through sustainable packaging choices
• Better access to eco-conscious retailers and markets
• Early compliance may help avoid penalties or sales restrictions
• Positive signals to epr stock investors and ESG stakeholders

EPR reporting timeline and role of circular action alliance

The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) has approved Circular Action Alliance (CAA) as the state’s PRO for the new EPR system. Key deadlines:

• By July 1, 2026: CAA must register with MDE; 
• By July 1, 2028: CAA must file a five-year EPR plan that reimburses at least 50% of recycling and composting costs—rising to 75% in 2029 and 90% in 2030; 

Final takeaway for Maryland businesses

Maryland’s EPR law changes how packaging waste is managed—and businesses must act before 2028. The responsibility now lies with producers to embed EPR compliance and sustainability into product design, reporting, and budgeting.

Need help? Lovat helps companies manage EPR registration, develop EPR reporting plans, and stay compliant in all states with active EPR regulations.