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February 16, 2024 (PORTLAND, ME) – Maine’s House and Senate have passed a first-in-the-nation bill that would regulate so-called “advanced recycling” facilities under the state’s solid waste laws. Contrary to industry claims about advanced recycling as a solution for plastic pollution, the process actually entails burning waste that produces toxic gases and pollution, and little new plastic. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement in response to the vote to pass LD 1660.
“Advanced recycling is nothing more than a flashy PR campaign from the plastic industry,” said Nora Bosworth, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “These facilities pollute communities and perpetuate environmental racism. This commonsense bill will ensure that any advanced recycling facility is subject to Maine state regulations, and Governor Mills should sign it into law.”
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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