The 2026
Maryland General Assembly session convened from January 14 through Monday, April 13. Of the recycling-related bills we tracked this session, four successfully crossed the finish line.
Unfortunately, several of our highest-priority initiatives did not advance, including electronics and mattress recycling bills, and regulations for the collection/disposal of yard waste on state properties.
Below is a quick update
(read full 2026 session recap) including position statements and actions taken.
What Passed:
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HB0429 / SB0599 On-Farm Organics and Wasted Food Reduction and Diversion Grant Programs. Creates new state grant programs to support on farm composting and organics recycling and to fund projects that reduce, rescue, and divert wasted food statewide and in counties.
Action: Chaz Miller
testified in support of HB0429 noting benefits of such a program would have on organics recycling, composting, waste food prevention, and food rescue programs.
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HB0848 /SB0621 Public Safety – State Fire Prevention Code – Trash and Recyclable Materials. Requires the State Fire Prevention Commission to adopt NFPA Life Safety Code (2024) provisions allowing trash and recycling in corridors and exits.
Action: The Legislative Committee submitted
written testimony in support of HB848 noting the importance of ensuring safe recycling practices.
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HB0833 / SB0553 Commission to Advance Lithium-Ion Battery Safety in Maryland – Reestablishment. Reestablishes the Commission to Advance Lithium Ion Battery Safety in Maryland with updated membership and duties and requires a report by December 1, 2027.
Action: Kitty McIlroy
testified in support of SB0553 and submitted
written testimony on HB0833 noting that although the Commission’s Final Report in 2025 offered strong recommendations, additional research is still needed on battery risks, insurance impacts, waste classifications, upcoming federal standards, and the inclusion of more subject matter experts.
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HB0321 Environment - Synthetic Turf Industry and Disposal Study - Deadline Extension. Extends the deadline for MDE to submit its report on the synthetic turf industry and disposal from July 1, 2026, to January 15, 2027.
*MRN took no position on this bill.
What didn’t make it:
Unfortunately, several of the bills we continue to advocate for did not make it out of committee including the
Mattress Stewardship Program (SB0603 / HB0984) and
Electronic Device Producer Responsibility Program (
HB0992 / SB0655). These are bills MRN has been working on for the past several years and will continue to advocate for in 2027.
Additionally,
State Buildings and State Highways - Collection and Disposal of Yard Waste (
HB0164) passed the House but failed to gain traction in the Senate due to lack of a senate sponsor. As with the two above, we will continue to advocate for this straightforward bill.
Finally, the
Maryland Beverage Container Recycling Refund and Litter Reduction Program (
HB0331 / SB0342) failed to make it out of each bill’s respective committees. MRN
opposed the bill citing concerns over current multiple packaging-related laws already in process of implementation as well as Maryland’s unique infrastructure for collecting and processing recyclables.
Read the full 2026 Legislative Session recap for more including statements and actions taken.
In appreciation for all the hard work...
A special thank you to
Chaz Miller (Legislative Chair)
, Kitty McIlroy (MRN president), and
Michele Blair (MRN Vice President) for their leadership. And to the
Board of Directors and Committee members for your continuing support and contributions.
The Committee’s effort highlights MRN’s ongoing commitment to advancing responsible materials management, supporting practical recycling solutions, and ensuring that local jurisdictions have the resources they need to protect both residents and the environment. Be part of the movement by
joining MRN today.
*Feature photo...
Top right: McIlroy with fellow Members of the Battery Commission Emil Nusbaum, VP of Strategy, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Automotive Recyclers Association and Battery Commission Chair; and Vincent Baker, Assistant Chief, Howard County Fire and Rescue, Office of the Fire Marshal.
Bottom right: McIlroy with bill sponsor Delegate Terri L. Hill and Alison A. Keane, President of International Sleep Products Association and Mattress Recycling Council.