Raised Bill No. 1242 - Summary

• Establishes a packaging stewardship program (effective October 1, 2023) requiring manufacturers to manage collection, processing, and marketing of packaging materials, packaging-like products, and paper materials under an approved stewardship plan.

• Requires plastic beverage containers to contain minimum post-consumer recycled content at increasing levels: 15% by July 1, 2025; 25% by July 1, 2028; and 50% by July 1, 2033.

• Creates the Connecticut Waste Authority (effective July 1, 2023) as successor to the Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority, with responsibilities to identify environmental needs, operate transfer stations, and wind down operations by July 1, 2025.

• Mandates municipalities establish food scrap collection and separation programs by October 1, 2028, with collectors required to transport source-separated food scraps to authorized composting facilities.

• Establishes a sustainable materials management account and program to support waste reduction infrastructure, recycling development, and composting facilities through grants and loans.