All Roll Calls
Yes: 88 • No: 59
MaineLD 1423132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate
An Act to Improve Recycling by Updating the Stewardship Program for Packaging
Sponsored By: Joseph M. Baldacci (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
WASTESWASTES - RECYCLING
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Recycling access for homes and towns
The law requires the stewardship organization to collect and recycle readily recyclable packaging made in each town. “Consumer” includes single- and multi‑family homes, schools, State and municipal buildings, public spaces, and businesses that use municipal or State waste services. It excludes manufacturers when they or a producer pay to manage the packaging, when packaging is only for transport to non‑consumers, or when used or made in manufacturing. This improves access to recycling for residents and local sites.
Exemptions and relief for small producers
Producers with prior‑year gross revenue under $2,000,000 are exempt. For a temporary period starting one year after the stewardship contract takes effect and ending three years later, the exemption applies under $5,000,000. For perishable food, the first 15 tons of packaging used in the prior year is exempt. Perishable food includes meats, poultry, seafood, dairy, bakery goods, eggs in shells, and fresh fruits and vegetables, but not frozen foods except frozen wild blueberries. Producers cannot be charged higher fees or penalties when laws prohibit using post‑consumer recycled material in that packaging. The stewardship organization cannot require annual UPC‑based product reporting.
Stronger recycled content and toxics rules
The law defines “post‑consumer recycled material” as new material made from recovered waste that was originally sold for consumers. It also ties “toxicity” in packaging to State lists of regulated metals and chemicals, including food‑contact chemicals of high concern. Packaging that intentionally adds or uses those listed substances can face program restrictions.
Who must pay as the producer
The law sets who is the “producer” responsible for packaging. For in‑store sales, the producer is, in order, the manufacturer, licensee, brand owner, importer of record, or first distributor. For online sales, packaging that holds the product follows the same rule; other shipping packaging is assigned to whoever packages the item for delivery. Franchisors are the producer when franchisees sell in the State; 501(c)(3) nonprofits are excluded. A producer can assign responsibility to another registered party with written certification.
Possible changes to producer fees
The stewardship organization can recommend changes to the producer payment schedule. The department may start rulemaking to change fees based on a statewide recycling needs assessment and other information. Changes can raise incentives for readily recyclable packaging and adjust costs for harder‑to‑recycle packaging.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Joseph M. Baldacci
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/17/2025
ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP
Yes: 88 • No: 59
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 383
6/20/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/17/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/17/2025HouseReports READ.On motion of Representative DOUDERA of Camden, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 554(Yeas 88 - Nays 59 - Absent 2 - Excused 2)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-419) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-419).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/17/2025HouseReports ReadOn motion by Senator TEPLER of Sagadahoc the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-419) Report ACCEPTED READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (S-419) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-419) Sent down for concurrence
6/16/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/1/2025HouseCommittee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
4/1/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-419), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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