Electronic Device Producer Responsibility Program - Established

HB 992 establishes a new electronic device producer responsibility program in Maryland, requiring manufacturers of covered devices (including computers, TVs, tablets, game consoles, and accessories like earbuds) to register, pay annual fees into a dedicated recycling fund, and include recycling information on products. The program mandates that manufacturers facilitate collection and recycling/refurbishment of covered devices through producer responsibility organizations, which must submit and get approval for plans from the Department of the Environment. It repeals older takeback program rules and creates an advisory council to guide implementation, while prohibiting manufacturers from selling devices without meeting these requirements. The law directly affects electronics manufacturers selling in Maryland, shifting responsibility for end-of-life device management to producers.