The bill HB 1789-FN establishes a comprehensive program for extended producer responsibility (EPR) focused on packaging materials, introducing new definitions and responsibilities for producers under RSA 149-M. It mandates that producers manage the post-consumer lifecycle of their products and packaging, thereby shifting financial and management responsibilities from the public sector to producers. The bill also creates a Packaging Reduction Organization (PRO) tasked with collecting stewardship fees from producers, assisting with compliance, and implementing a packaging reduction and recycling program. Certain packaging types, such as medical devices and beverage containers under deposit programs, are excluded from these responsibilities. The legislation aims to promote sustainability and reduce environmental impacts associated with packaging waste.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific goals for packaging reduction, requiring producers to decrease their packaging by set percentages over time and meet increasing recycling rates. It prohibits the use of certain toxic substances in packaging and establishes penalties for non-compliance. The bill also introduces new legal language to amend RSA 6:12, I(b) to include moneys deposited in the Packaging Reduction Fund as a dedicated fund, with funds from penalties directed to this fund. While the bill anticipates the need for new positions within the Department of Environmental Services (DES) to manage the program, it does not allocate new funding or positions, potentially leading to implementation challenges. Overall, HB 1789-FN aims to create a more sustainable packaging system while addressing environmental and public health concerns.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 6:12
HB1789 text: 6:12