As the calendar shifts to 2026, it seems the right to time to take a quick glance back over the past year so here's a quick snapshot of what we accomplished in 2025. Of course, there's still a lot to be done and we looking forward to keeping the momentum going into 2026 and beyond.
MRN remains a driving force in Maryland recycling policy: Our Legislative Committee* continues to work alongside state legislators on crafting and supporting sensible legislation that help, not hinder, recycling and waste management in Maryland. In 2025, we supported ten bills, providing written statements as well as in-person testimonies on nine of the bills. Of these, three bills made it to the finish line including EPR for Packaging and Paper (
SB0901).
Read a full recap of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session.
*The Maryland General Assembly convenes on Wednesday, January 14, and the Legislative Committee is already at work on 2026 issues. Stay up-to-date on all legislative news via our Legislative/Regulatory page.
MRN’s events bring members and the community together: In 2025, We hosted
six free webinars* ranging from topics covering safety, communication strategies, and legislative updates. Members and guests also participated in three tours:
Eastern Maryland Facilities (9/12);
ECO City Farm Tour (7/15); and
Helpsy Textile Facility Tour (4/24).
Next up:
Driving Change: How Baltimore County’s Buy Recycled Policy Can Inspire Your Jurisdiction (2/11/26) – Join us for a free webinar about the program and practical strategies you can use persuading decision-makers in your jurisdiction to adopt similar policies.
*Be sure to check out this recap on the MD state-wide paint recycling program launching in spring 2026. p.s.You can view all past webinars on our Webinar Archive page.
Separately, several BOD and committee members joined legislators and other stakeholders in visiting two recycling facilities:
Electronics Value Recovery (EVR) recycling facility focusing on battery and electronics recycling among other services (10/17) and
TurboHaul's mattress/box spring recycling facility (10/3).
Additionally, members of the MRN Tire Workgroup got an up close look a
rubber-modified asphalt project (6/23) in Frederick MD.
MRN members and guests rolled up their sleeves for a morning of volunteering at The Loading Dock (11/13): Together, the
group of 21 volunteers contributed 63 hours of service, prepped about $8,047 worth of product for Loading Dock clients, and saved an additional $500 in labor costs on clean-up and disposal.
185+ recycling and solid waste pros gathered for the 2025 annual MRN/SWANA MA Conference on June 9: The
packed program featured three thought-provoking general sessions and four rounds of engaging concurrent sessions, giving attendees the chance to dive into some of the most pressing topics in solid waste and recycling.
*Planning is underway for the 2026 Conference scheduled for June 6. Plus, register is open so be sure to register today!
MRN once again proudly sponsored the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE)’s 24th annual “Rethink Recycling” Sculpture Contest: In addition to our annually sponsorship, we
presented a check for $250 to the top winner. The contest, which is held in celebration of America Recycles Day (11/15), challenges Maryland high school students to create works of art using recyclable materials.
*Catch up on all MRN related news in our News archives.
MRN strives to be a connection point, a resource, and a voice for the recycling and solid waste community. We accomplish this through our education & events by providing learning opportunities, creative solutions, and networking; and our legislative efforts by working with legislators and stakeholders on relevant bills and regulatory initiatives that may affect (positively and negatively) our industry and community.
As always, thank you to our wonderful sponsors: our
Patron Member WM and our
Sustaining Members EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC;
Mariner Management & Marketing;
MSW Consultants; and
Northeast Maryland Waste Disposal Authority.
And a shout out to all MRN Members! You make it happen! Have a safe and happy New Year!