Delegate Edelson proposes requiring largest municipality in each county to adopt recycling plans and report diversion

Delegate Mark Edelson told the committee he would like to update Maryland's recycling mandates (originally enacted in 2012) by requiring the largest municipality in each county to prepare and report municipal recycling plans and diversion rates to the state. The sponsor cited uneven municipal practices and instances where municipalities do not know how much of their waste stream is diverted.

Nut graf: The bill extends an existing county recycling threshold framework to the largest municipality in every county, with thresholds modeled on population size (35% for larger jurisdictions, 20% for smaller). MDE testified in support, citing landfill capacity concerns and the fiscal and environmental benefits of expanded diversion.

Supporters said the measure would fill data gaps and push municipalities toward greater diversion; municipal groups expressed constitutional and implementation concerns. The Maryland Municipal League said the approach may be constitutionally problematic where the law draws population distinctions but offered to work with the sponsor, subject to an Attorney General opinion. Several municipalities that already rely on county curbside programs told the committee they lack data on municipal-level diversion rates and that MDE or counties could help.

Ending: Committee members asked about implementation options and whether MDE or counties could support municipalities with data and operational assistance; the sponsor said he would share an AG opinion on constitutionality when available and continue discussions with municipal stakeholders.