The bill amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes concerning solid waste management by exempting paper products from the extended producer responsibility program. Key changes include the removal of paper products from the definition of "covered material" and the list of "exempt materials," which previously included certain paper products used in print publications. The bill clarifies producers' responsibilities regarding compliance with waste management requirements, particularly concerning packaging and covered materials, and mandates that producers implement and finance a statewide program aimed at reducing the environmental and health impacts of waste.

Additionally, the bill introduces new legal language that requires producers to evaluate and report on waste reduction, recycling, and composting rates, as well as the incorporation of postconsumer recycled content into covered materials. The commissioner is tasked with establishing statewide requirements for recycling, composting, and reuse rates, while consulting with producer responsibility organizations to ensure compliance. The bill also amends section 115A.1454, subdivision 1, to set new requirements for producer responsibility organizations regarding the annual fees they collect from member producers, which must vary based on the total amount of covered materials introduced by each producer. The effective date for these changes is set for the day following final enactment, ensuring timely implementation of the updated regulations.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 115A.1441, 115A.1442, 115A.1450, 115A.1451, 115A.1454