Environment - Municipal Recycling Plans - Requirement

HB 407 requires the largest municipal corporation (city or town) in each Maryland county to adopt or update a recycling plan by January 1, 2026, and every five years thereafter. The plan must achieve a 35% reduction in solid waste through recycling by weight for municipalities in counties with over 150,000 residents, or a 20% reduction for those in smaller counties. Municipalities may submit justification for not meeting targets, including economic factors, but must still aim for at least 15% or 10% reduction, respectively. The plan must be fully implemented within 18 months of adoption. This bill directly affects local governments, particularly larger cities in populous counties, aiming to increase recycling rates statewide.