NH HB1789

Establishes an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program requiring producers selling products in New Hampshire to register with a Packaging Reduction Organization (PRO), report packaging data annually, and pay fees based on packaging weight and type used to contain or distribute their products.

Creates mandatory packaging reduction targets for producers: 5% reduction within 2 years of registration, 20% within 5 years, and 50% within 10 years, with recycling rate requirements of 30% within 5 years, 50% within 8 years, and 70% within 12 years of enactment.

Bans specific toxic substances in packaging including PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols, lead, cadmium, mercury, and flame retardants, as well as prohibits packaging made from polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, and polycarbonate two years after rule adoption.

Establishes a Packaging Reduction Fund to reimburse local governments for recycling costs, fund the Department of Environmental Services administration, and invest at least 25% of collected fees in packaging reduction, reuse systems, and recycling infrastructure.

Exempts producers with less than $1 million in annual gross revenue or those using less than one ton of packaging annually; penalties for violations can reach up to $100,000 per day per violation.