Maryland Paint Stewardship
The Paint Stewardship Program will impose a stewardship assessment on architectural paint sold at retail. This assessment is included in the price of paint to cover the program's operational costs. It stipulates that producers and retailers must implement the program and ensure that consumers are informed about the disposal and recycling options available to them. As of October 1, 2023, producers may not sell architectural paint unless they are part of an approved stewardship program, which puts pressure on manufacturers to comply with the new regulations.
Senate Bill 143, known as the Maryland Paint Stewardship Act, establishes a framework for managing postconsumer architectural paint in the state. The bill requires producers of architectural paint to submit a stewardship plan to the Department of the Environment for approval. This plan must outline how the producers will collect, transport, and process leftover paint in an environmentally responsible manner. Notably, the act aims to minimize public sector involvement in paint management while ensuring convenient access to collection sites for consumers throughout Maryland.
The bill has drawn both support and criticism among stakeholders. Proponents argue that it will enhance recycling efforts and reduce environmental waste from unused paint, a common concern among environmental groups. However, opponents may perceive it as an additional cost burden on consumers and businesses. There is concern that the financial implications of the stewardship assessment could potentially increase prices for consumers and complicate compliance for smaller producers, thereby affecting competition in the marketplace and leading to a disparity in the ability of larger companies to absorb these costs.