Informing EPR by Analyzing Maryland’s Recycling Systems  

Maryland is commissioning a needs assessment that will analyze its current recycling infrastructure — a first step in supporting a potential extended producer responsibility for packaging bill. We’ve been selected to conduct the needs assessment, which will help make recommendations for how to establish and implement the potential EPR program.   

Maryland has unique demographics and geography, with two key urban centers — Baltimore and Washington D.C. — on the east side of the state. Areas west and east of those urban cores, particularly the western panhandle and eastern shore, are less populated and have challenging collection geography. 

Those differences require a customized approach from our strategic communications team, which is gathering feedback through surveys and interviews with recycling service providers, municipalities and packaging companies. Information gathered will present current recycling systems operations in those regions and highlight where improvements can be made. 

Our waste planners and GIS teams are performing detailed analyses of demographics and equity considerations around the state. For example, they’re identifying where populations may have limited access to recycling collection services, or collection challenges for multi-family and low-income housing. Our team of waste engineers is also assessing Maryland’s waste and recycling facilities, including capabilities and age. 

Data is being collected and analyzed in anticipation of the 2025 state legislative session, necessitating a quick timeline for completion. We’re working with several partners to accomplish that goal, including Eunomia Research and Consulting and MSW Consultants as well as local companies Straughan Environmental, Vision Planning and Consulting, and Assedo Consulting. 

Our work in Maryland builds upon HDR’s expertise gained during the producer-led needs assessment we completed in Colorado, the first of its kind in the United States, which found ample opportunities for recycling and collection enhancements across the state. Colorado is currently developing a program plan for implementation of the statewide EPR for packaging program.