Committee holds over producer-responsibility packaging bill for further work

The committee heard a broad presentation of the Packaging Product Stewardship Act (identified in testimony as PRO, bill 33 98) and the substitute draft circulated to members. Chairman Smith summarized the major changes: expanded definitions (reusability, recycling center, responsible end market), addition of composting and refill language, creation of a single producer responsibility organization (PRO) charged with conducting a needs assessment, and clarified DEP oversight of any PRO fund expenditures.

Committee members and stakeholders discussed specific requests from industry and interest groups to expand product exemptions (infant formula, medical food, regulated animal products), to include printed paper and electronics, to permit hardship waivers for unavoidable toxic substances, and to adjust the timetable for cost reimbursement to service providers. Several trade groups and industry stakeholders provided input and asked for technical clarifications.

Chairman Smith said the measure would be held over for additional work and that the committee planned to further consider PRO at a January 6 meeting. He invited stakeholders to submit specific amendment language and limited testimony at the next hearing to brief pro and con positions.