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MaineLD 1065132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act Regarding the Reduction and Recycling of Food Waste

Sponsored By: Stacy F. Brenner (Democratic)

Became Law

WASTESWASTES - RECYCLING

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

New food waste rules for large businesses

From July 1, 2030 to June 30, 2032, you are a designated generator if you make 2+ tons a week at one site and are within 20 miles of a recycler with capacity. Starting July 1, 2032, the test is 1+ ton a week and within 25 miles. Beginning July 1, 2030, designated generators may not send food waste to landfills or incinerators. They must cut waste, donate edible food, and send the rest to organics recyclers in the set order; mixing is allowed only if the recycler can handle it. Each March 1 starting 2031, they must report last year’s tons donated and tons sent to organics recyclers; the department can exempt some small designated generators by rule. A temporary hardship waiver is available for up to 3 years.

State food waste priorities and goals

The law sets a clear order to handle food waste: reduce at the source, donate edible food, use scraps for farms, then compost or digest to make soil and energy, and use landfills or burning last. It also sets a statewide disposal goal of 0.55 tons per person by January 1, 2019 using 2014 as the baseline, then a further 5% cut every five years. These rules guide state and local waste programs.

State recycler list and new rules

By July 1, 2029, the department posts and keeps an updated public list of organics recyclers and food rescue groups. The department runs this program and adopts routine technical rules, including how to decide who is a designated generator and how waivers work. Not earlier than July 1, 2035, it may change thresholds and distances to cover more generators and may exempt some from reporting if it expands coverage.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Stacy F. Brenner

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Ambureen Rana

    Democratic • House

  • Denise Tepler

    Democratic • Senate

  • Laurie Osher

    Democratic • House

  • Richard A. Bennett

    Independent • Senate

  • Russell J. Black

    Republican • Senate

  • William Pluecker

    Independent • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 419

    5/1/2026

  2. On motion by Senator STEWART of Aroostook Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending PASSAGE TO BE ENACTED in concurrence. Taken from the table by the President Subsequently, PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.

    6/10/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/9/2025House

  4. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-279).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/9/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-279) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-279).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    6/5/2025Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/18/2025House

  8. Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    3/18/2025Senate

Bill Text

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