HB 1572 amends Maryland's renewable energy law to include "waste-to-energy" as an eligible Tier 1 renewable energy source under the portfolio standard. The bill defines "waste-to-energy" as energy generated from facilities meeting six specific technical requirements: no combustion, continuous base-load capability, carbon recovery, no landfill byproducts, minimum 80% waste conversion efficiency, and compliance with EPA PFAS guidelines. This change directly affects waste-to-energy facilities that meet these criteria, allowing them to count toward utilities' renewable energy compliance requirements. The law takes effect for compliance years starting January 1, 2026.
SB 603 establishes a mandatory mattress recycling program in Maryland, requiring mattress producers and their representatives to submit stewardship plans to the Department of the Environment. The bill prohibits landfill disposal and incineration of mattresses after specific dates (with limited exceptions) and mandates an assessment on all mattresses sold in the state to fund recycling. Retailers must provide consumers with information about the program, while the Department must approve plans and oversee the Mattress Stewardship Advisory Board. This aims to divert mattresses from waste streams, aligning with Maryland’s sustainable materials management goals and modeled after successful programs in other states.
HB 984 establishes a mattress stewardship program requiring mattress producers to submit recycling plans to the Maryland Department of the Environment for approval. The bill prohibits landfill disposal and incineration of mattresses (with limited exceptions) starting on a future date, and mandates that producers add a fee to new mattresses to fund recycling. Retailers must provide consumers with information about the program after it launches. This affects mattress producers, retailers, and consumers through new fees and disposal rules, aiming to increase recycling and reduce landfill use.
HB 817 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to create permitting regulations for certified carbon removal technologies and practices by January 1, 2028. It mandates all state agencies to use existing funding to support carbon removal projects using technologies certified by internationally recognized third parties. The bill directly affects state agencies (which must allocate funds) and carbon removal technology providers (which must meet certification standards to qualify for permits). It aims to streamline regulatory processes by replacing outdated solid waste rules with new, technology-specific requirements.
HB 517 clarifies that counties and cities in Maryland can adopt stricter local emission standards or air quality rules than state or federal levels, provided their standards are equally or more stringent. It also confirms local governments retain authority to regulate solid waste management systems without being limited by certain state provisions. The bill requires the Department of the Environment to publish clear information about this local authority on its website by October 1, 2026. This law directly affects local governments seeking to implement more protective environmental regulations within their jurisdictions. It does not change existing state standards but removes ambiguity about local regulatory power.
HB 164 establishes new rules for handling yard waste collected on state-owned buildings and highways in Maryland. It requires workers to collect waste in reusable containers or compostable paper bags (not single-use plastic) and mandates disposal at specific facilities like organics recycling centers, natural wood recycling facilities, or state sites that create mulch. The bill applies to anyone employed to manage yard waste on state properties, excluding noxious weeds or invasive species. These requirements take effect October 1, 2026, aiming to improve waste management practices for state grounds.
