The MassRecycle Conference on March 31 and April 1, co-sponsored by the MMA, featured energetic conversations on challenges and solutions related to solid waste and recycling services, looming waste bans, and extended producer responsibility.

Local officials, industry professionals and environmental advocates were eager to discuss several bills related to mattress, paint, electronics and smoke detector recycling currently before the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, as well as a pending, wide-ranging bill on environmental issues.

A bill seeking to address rising recycling costs in Massachusetts (H. 878) was a hot topic during a panel discussion on extended producer responsibility. H. 878 would establish a comprehensive EPR system for packaging, requiring producers to reimburse municipalities for the costs of recycling packaging materials. Panelists assured attendees that states such as Maine and Oregon that have implemented EPR programs have not seen increases in consumer costs. The MMA has expressed support for the approach and goals of H. 878 and is hopeful to see the Legislature enact the bill.

Public works officials, solid waste and recycling industry experts, and sustainability advocates were clearly invigorated by the conference, which was held as the Legislature is considering a number of pertinent bills.

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