July 31, 2023 (PORTLAND, ME) – Maine’s governor has signed a law that will expand and modernize the state’s bottle bill, a key tool in increasing recycling and reducing plastic pollution. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) released the following statement in response.
“Single-use containers are a scourge on our communities and our environment,” said Nora Bosworth, Zero Waste Attorney at CLF. “Bottle and can redemption systems are a proven way to reduce plastic pollution and make sure that these materials are recycled into new products. Maine’s updated law will revitalize the State’s most successful recycling program, and ultimately result in a cleaner environment and less litter for our communities.”
The new law updates the state’s existing bottle bill with various critical provisions. It will strengthen the financial stability of existing redemption centers, simplify the complex sorting and collection systems, and spur investment in critical areas, such as reuse and refill initiatives. It also maintains an increased fee beverage companies pay to redemption centers, passed earlier this session as an emergency bill.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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