CT SB00115

Establishes extended producer responsibility (EPR) program requiring manufacturers and brand owners to fund collection, transportation, and recycling of consumer packaging materials effective October 1, 2022.

Defines "responsible parties" as manufacturers, brand owners, licensees, and importers of covered materials (packaging, packaging-like products, and paper), with exemptions for parties responsible for less than 1 ton annually or with gross revenue under $2 million.

Requires responsible parties to register with the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection by January 1, 2024, and submit stewardship plans by January 1, 2025, detailing collection methods, processing facilities, performance goals, and fee structures for the program.

Establishes performance goals for each material type including minimum reduction, reuse, recovery, recycling, recycled content, and contamination rates to be achieved within 5 years, with annual reporting and independent audits required.

Prohibits sale of covered materials in the state unless managed under an approved stewardship plan; violators subject to civil penalties up to $25,000 per offense; preempts local ordinances regulating packaging stewardship programs.