Current with changes from the 2024 Legislative Session
Section 9-2103 - Plastic bags(a) Subject to § 9-2102(b) of this subtitle and subsection (b) of this section, on and after October 1, 2018, a person that distributes or sells a compostable plastic bag intended for sale or distribution by a retailer in the State shall ensure that the compostable plastic bag is:(1) Labeled in a manner that is readily and easily identifiable from other plastic bags;(2) Labeled in a manner that is consistent with the federal Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims;(3) Labeled with a certification logo indicating the bag meets the ASTM D6400 standard specification; and(4)(i) A uniform color of green and labeled with the word "COMPOSTABLE" in at least a 1 inch font on one side of the bag;(ii) Labeled in green writing with the word "COMPOSTABLE" in at least a 1 inch font on both sides of the bag; or(iii) Labeled with the word "COMPOSTABLE" in at least a one-half inch font on both sides of the bag within a green color band that:1. Contrasts with the compostable bag's background color; and2. Is at least 1 inch in height.(b) If a compostable plastic bag is smaller than 14 inches by 14 inches, the compostable bag may be labeled in a manner that is in proportion to the size of the bag.(c) A compostable plastic bag sold or distributed in the State may not be labeled as recyclable.(d) A provision of this section has effect only to the extent that the provision does not conflict with the federal Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims.Added by 2017 Md. Laws, Ch. 374,Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2017.