In July 2021, the Legislature passed a law establishing Maine’s Stewardship Program for Packaging, 38 M.R.S. § 2146.
The Stewardship Program for Packaging aims to reduce the burden to municipalities of managing packaging material and incentivize improved design and management of packaging material. Municipalities that opt to participate in the program will receive reimbursements for recycling packaging material. Additionally, the program will provide funds for investments in infrastructure and education that support the management of packaging material in the State.
In December 2024, the Board of Environmental Protection adopted the program rule, Chapter 428, and in March 2026, Chapter 428 was amended to include Appendix A, The Packaging Material Types List and to align with changes made to the law in June 2025. The day-to-day operation of the program will be the responsibility of a Stewardship Organization (SO). The Department will provide oversight and guidance of the SO and Alternative Collection Programs (ACP).
