Maine is known as a leader in environmental issues with bans on single-use plastic bags and foam food containers and by charging bottle and can deposits. This past summer, Maine again stepped forward to become the first state in the nation to pass an Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (EPR) law which is designed to save taxpayer money by holding big corporations accountable for wasteful packaging they create.

Oregon, Washington and California are beginning to move in this direction, too, while Australia, Brazil, most of Europe and parts of Asia already have EPR Packaging laws. In five Canadian provinces, there is a lengthy list of over 500 well-known international companies already participating, with more provinces set to join the effort.

People in Maine understand that our economy and the good quality of life we enjoy depend on our beautiful, clean environment. According to the Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) when “the polluter pays,” companies are incentivized to reduce wasteful packaging and to create greener products that can be more easily recycled or reused.

When fully implemented, it is estimated that the projected recycling rate will double, saving Maine taxpayers $16-17 million annually, helping to reduce the amount of trash in landfills, incinerators, and our environment. Confusion about what can be recycled will be simplified.

The cost of recycling in individual towns has skyrocketed, according to the Maine Municipal Association. The money saved will help pay for schools, roads, or even help lower taxes. The law specifically exempts most of Maine’s small businesses which are the economic engines in Maine’s small cities and towns.

The new law represents years of collaborative work between residents, municipalities, local businesses, health organizations, lawmakers, and the environmental community. Thirty-one Maine towns have passed municipal resolutions in support of EPR for Packaging. According to (NRCM), Gorham is not on that list.

It is estimated that the first municipal checks may not be received until 2027. Before the law can be implemented, the Maine DEP must undergo a lengthy and thorough rule-making process. Interested stakeholders are welcome to participate in the rule-making process by attending (in person or virtually), a series of meetings scheduled about once a month from now until Dec. 2023. There will also be time for any member of the public to share comments.