Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program

SB 342 establishes Maryland's Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program, requiring beverage producers to register with the state, pay fees, and include refund values in product prices. It mandates that containers display refund information, retailers show refund amounts on receipts, and creates a producer-led stewardship group to manage recycling. The program funds water refill stations through a new grant initiative and sets recycling targets to reduce litter and pollution from beverage containers. This directly affects beverage manufacturers, retailers, and communities by changing how containers are sold, priced, and recycled.