HB 5902 Summary

• Establishes a statewide packaging reduction and recycling program requiring producers to register with a designated nonprofit packaging reduction organization and annually report packaging material usage by weight.

• Imposes escalating packaging reduction targets on producers: 10% reduction by year 2, 20% by year 4, 30% by year 6, 40% by year 8, and 50% by year 10 after registration, measured from baseline year one usage.

• Requires packaging to meet minimum recycling rate standards: 30% within 5 years, 50% within 8 years, and 70% within 12 years of the law's effective date.

• Prohibits packaging containing specific toxic substances including ortho-phthalates, bisphenols, PFAS, lead compounds, cadmium, mercury, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene beginning 2 years after rule promulgation, with additional toxic substances banned every 3 years thereafter.

• Establishes a packaging reduction fund fed by producer fees and fines to reimburse local governments for waste management costs and fund reduction, reuse, and recycling infrastructure projects, with at least 25% of annual collections dedicated to infrastructure and education investments prioritizing environmental justice communities.