Maryland Considers Bottle Bill to Reduce Plastic Waste

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore promotes recycling through upcoming event

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Maryland Statehouse is considering a new Bottle Bill that would implement a 10-cent refundable deposit on beverage containers in an effort to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling. Allison Blood of the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore discusses the legislation and an upcoming event to raise awareness.

Why it matters

Plastic waste is a growing environmental concern, with much of it ending up in waterways and oceans. The proposed Bottle Bill aims to incentivize recycling and decrease the amount of plastic pollution in Maryland. The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore is a key stakeholder in these efforts, as the organization works to protect the city's harbor and promote sustainability.

The details

The Maryland Bottle Bill would require a 10-cent refundable deposit on all beverage containers, including plastic bottles, glass bottles, and aluminum cans. The goal is to encourage consumers to return their containers for recycling rather than throwing them away. The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore is supporting the legislation and planning a special event to educate the public about the importance of recycling.

  • The Maryland Bottle Bill is being considered at the Statehouse this year.
  • The Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore is hosting an upcoming event to promote the Bottle Bill and recycling.

The players

Maryland Bottle Bill

A proposed law that would implement a 10-cent refundable deposit on beverage containers in order to reduce plastic waste and promote recycling.

Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore

A non-profit organization that works to protect Baltimore's harbor and promote sustainability in the city.

Allison Blood

A representative from the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore who discusses the Bottle Bill and the organization's upcoming event.

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What they’re saying

“The Maryland Bottle Bill is a proposed law aimed at reducing plastic waste, protecting the environment, and promoting recycling through a 10-cent refundable deposit on beverage containers.”

— Allison Blood, Representative, Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore (WBAL)

What’s next

The Maryland Statehouse will continue to consider the Bottle Bill legislation this year, and the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore will host an upcoming event to raise awareness about recycling and the proposed law.

The takeaway

The Maryland Bottle Bill represents a significant effort to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability in the state. By incentivizing recycling through a deposit system, the legislation could have a meaningful impact on the environment, particularly in coastal areas like Baltimore's harbor.