In July 2021, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed into law An Act To Support and Improve Municipal Recycling Programs and Save Taxpayer Money (H.P. 1146-L.D 154)1. The law requires producers (brand owners) to pay a fee (set by regulation) for the total amount of each type of packaging material introduced in the state to a product stewardship organization (PSO). The PSO will assist municipalities in providing recycling services throughout the state by reimbursing them for costs of managing the waste stream and investing in the recycling infrastructure. The PSO is funded solely by producer fees. Paint manufacturers that sell products with packaging in the state of Maine may be subject to the law. Importantly, architectural paint containers are not included in the program so long as an approved stewardship program that meets certain recycling thresholds is in operation. In addition, containers used for long-term storage are also not included. There are also several exemptions for producers. These exemptions will likely mitigate or offset the costs imposed on paint manufacturers.
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