On December 5, 2024, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection finalized implementation rules for the packaging extended producer responsibility (EPR) program, as part of the implementation of the Act To Support and Improve Municipal Recycling Programs and Save Taxpayer Money.
Maine was the first state to make producers solely and fully responsible for the cost of collection and recycling of in-scope materials. This will be done by individual producers, or by Stewardship Organizations that are similar to Producer Responsibility Organizations (PRO). Maine recognizes the difference between producers and low-volume producers, where the latter have a less demanding reporting and financing requirements.
In-scope materials are defined as packaging materials used for the containment, protection, delivery, presentation or distribution of a product supplied to consumers, whether it is paid for at the time of receipt or not. whereas a consumer is defined as a household as well as business end-user. Material which are to be used for long term protection / storage, beverage bottles, and certain medical packaging are out of scope.
Producers are encouraged to become members of a Stewardship Organization, although they are allowed to operate an alternative collection program. The volumes collected by alternative collection programs can be used to offset some of the producer’s required fees.
The rules introduce a list of recycling targets, ranging from 15% to 100%, depending on the target category, to be met in phases between 2029 and 2050. A few examples of such targets are:
- Minimum 30% packaging material reuse from 2040 until 2049,
- Minimum 50% readily recyclable packaging from 2030 until 2039, and
- Minimum 75% overall recycling rate from 2045 onward.
What are the deadlines?
By April 1 of each year, alternative collection programs must submit reports
By May 31 of each year, producers must submit their annual supply report
By July 1 of each year, Stewardship Organization will issue an invoice to producers
By September 1 of each year, said invoice must be paid
For support or answers to your questions, please contact us at CGlobal-Sales@landbellgroup.com
Published December 11, 2024
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