PRINTING United Alliance Puts Out Action Alert for Minnesota Packaging Waste Law

PRINTING United Alliance, the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, put out an action alert regarding an extended producer responsibility (EPR) law that would affect packaging and paper products in Minnesota.

The provisions of the Act — the Packaging Waste and Cost Reduction Act (H.F. 3577/S.F. 3561) — included the Environment and Natural Resources supplemental appropriation bills (S.F. 3886/H.F. 3911).

According to the alert, the Minnesota state House of Representatives passed H.F. 3911 on May 1 with a 68-63 vote. The corresponding bill S.F. 3887 is now being considered by the state’s Senate.

“The legislation proposes to charge a fee to producers to subsidize the costs associated with the collection of paper and packaging products for recycling,” the alert reads. “According to the 50 States of Recycling Report, Minnesota has a 78% recycling rate of cardboard, boxboard, and paper. Because of this well-developed and widely accessible paper and paperboard recycling system, the need for an EPR program on these products is unnecessary.”

Those who live in or operate in Minnesota can take action here. The Alliance also encourages printers to urge your lawmakers to oppose this legislation.