SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1279        FILED ON: 1/16/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Jason M. Lewis, (BY REQUEST)

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act to consider adoption of aspects of the German Green Dot Waste Reduction Standards.

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PETITION OF:

SENATE DOCKET, NO. 1279        FILED ON: 1/16/2025

SENATE  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  No.         

[SIMILAR MATTER FILED IN PREVIOUS SESSION
SEE SENATE, NO. 522 OF 2023-2024.]

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act to consider adoption of aspects of the German Green Dot Waste Reduction Standards.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

SECTION I – LEGISLATIVE PURPOSE

The Massachusetts General Laws are hereby amended by inserting the following new chapter:

An Act to Consider Adoption of Particular Waste Reduction Standards (PWRS).

PURPOSE – It is significant to the general, and specific, public health of the residents, businesses, and other enterprises that live, and operate in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, that there are various problems arising from, the creation of various forms of waste, and distinct constraints on the disposal of waste, and trash of various kinds. This is especially true in congested, urban areas, but also has known, and unknown, effects on the general environment, whether watersheds, air, wetlands, useful lands of all kinds, and oceans. In recent years, this situation has become more severe, and these are a series of problems that can be addressed in various ways.

SECTION II – ANALYSIS

1.) In dealing with various forms of waste processing, demand side reduction can, and must be, an important part of overall waste management policies.

2.) While recycling is valuable, the reduction of packaging waste, by improved packaging design, and direct conceptual design elements, by manufacturers, and delivery services, can be effective, as part of a broader set of policies.

3.) The provisions of this statute, are adopted, for the purposes of consistency, of manufacturing, retail, and other commercial activities, and transactions, across the Commonwealth. They recognize that while local ordinances have value, that there should be a degree of consistency, actions, and improved recommendations, therefore, for environmentally friendly policies, across the entire Commonwealth.

4.) This statute authorizes relevant state authorities to consider, and adopt Particular Waste Reduction Standards (PWRS); through Regulatory Processes, that may include financial incentives, and other mechanisms, for businesses to design product packaging, and mailing materials, that reduce the amount of materials in their packages, while maintaining the safety of products that are sent, and/or delivered.

SECTION III – ADDITIONAL COOPERATIVE AUTHORITIES

Various provisions of this statute, and additional proposed regulations, may be utilized, at the discretion of local municipal, legislative, and/or executive authorities.