HDR-Conducted Needs Assessment Highlights EPR Impacts in Maryland

As part of a statewide study for extended producer responsibility, HDR conducted a recycling needs assessment for the Maryland Department of the Environment. The 154-page report, released in February 2025, highlights findings about the state’s waste and recycling infrastructure and capacity, key costs and details on disposal and recycling methods. 

The takeaway? A well-designed EPR program could significantly raise recycling rates, create jobs and improve access to services. 

In an article titled “Maryland’s recycling needs assessment sheds light on possible EPR impacts,” industry publication Waste Dive covered some of the needs assessment’s key findings. One discovery was that an EPR for packaging program could increase Maryland’s recycling rate for paper and packaging from 34% to 50% or more. Another highlight was that an EPR program could increase recycling access to underserved areas. 

The article also outlined the report’s environmental justice considerations, including the potential impact of recycling operations on emissions, truck traffic and road degradation.  

Waste Dive notes that the needs assessment “could play into the formulation of a [EPR] bill” introduced in the Maryland state legislature.