A brief look at the latest legislative news for Maryland and beyond.
Top News
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International Discussions to End Plastic Pollution: What It Means for Waste and Resource Management: Kristyn Olendorf, SWANA Senior Director of Public Policy & Communications, discusses the recent
UN Environment Assembly Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) session in Geneva Switzerland (August 5–14) where negotiations continue on developing an international legally binding agreement on reducing plastic pollution. She also discusses the impact the treaty could have on North America's waste and resource management systems, including the critical role the industry will play in implementing the treaty aspects and delivering the desired outcomes.
Note: On July 29, MRN President Kitty McIlroy attended an event in Washington DC to discuss the upcoming session. The event, hosted by The Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), featured a panel discussion, round table conversations and networking opportunities, with a focus on the role of holistic waste and resource management in preventing plastic pollution. Read more about the event in SWANA Press Release and via Waste Dive.
➡ MRN’s Tire Workgroup got a firsthand look at an innovative pilot project using tire rubber modified asphalt by visiting the production facility and observing the paving process, highlighting the potential of scrap tires in sustainable road construction.
Read more...
➡ MRN’s Legislative Team
has been working with Delegate Dana Stein and Senator Malcolm Augustine to develop an electronics and battery EPR legislation for submission to the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. MRN President Kitty McIlroy has been heading up conversation with the legislators and a number of experts in the field to craft a bill (or bills) that will ensure a sustainable system to keep electronics and batteries out of the waste stream.
Stay tuned for more details this fall.
Other Legislative News:
➡ ReMA suggests DOE invest in recycling for critical materials: The Recycled Materials Association responded to the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2026 Energy Critical Materials Assessment by urging more investment in the e-scrap recycling industry, noting that e-scrap recycling is key to creating a domestic supply chain for energy critical materials like aluminum, copper, and steel.
➡ Lawmakers focus on electronics recycling potential: During a July meeting of the US Environment Subcommittee of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, lawmakers discussed the advantages of investing in electronics recycling to strengthening the nation’s critical minerals supply lines.
Note: MRN has been working with Maryland legislators on crafting an electronics recycling bill for several years and will continue to push for this legislation in 2026.
➡ House Recycling Caucus Relaunched: U.S. Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) has announced relaunch of the House Recycling Caucus for the 119th Congress. Alongside Congressman Joyce will be Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11), Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01). The Caucus will focus on educating House members and other policymakers to understand the complexities of the recycling industry and highlight its economic and environmental benefits.
*The MRN Legislative Committee will be meeting in the fall to talk about the 2026 Maryland General Assembly Session. Stay up-to-date via our Legislative & Regulatory page!