Wildlife Over Waste

Maine’s plastic bans go into effect as state enacts producer responsibility legislation

In one day, Maine took two nation-leading steps to tackle our plastic pollution crisis. 

In one day, Maine took two nation-leading steps to tackle our plastic pollution crisis. 

Maine passed a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags as well as our nation’s first ban on polystyrene foam back in 2019. Those bans went into effect on July 1, 2021, but it wasn’t the only plastics victory in store. That same day, the state Legislature passed extended producer responsibility legislation, once again taking a first-in-the-nation step to stop plastic pollution. If signed into law, the legislation will hold producers responsible for the plastic they produce and incentivize reduced production while providing relief for local recycling programs.

“Back in 2018, Environment Maine supporters submitted 7,800 petitions to win our nation’s first polystyrene ban — and seven states have followed suit,” said Environment Maine State Director Anya Fetcher. “Now, we’re ready to lead once more and shift the cost of plastics from consumers back to the producers who made them.”

The bill now heads to Gov. Janet Mills’ desk for signature.

Learn more. 

Learn more about our Wildlife Over Waste campaign.

Photo: Environment Maine canvassers spoke to more than 19,000 Mainers to win support for our nation’s first polystyrene ban back in 2018. Credit: Katya Danilova, Doroga Media

Mary Katherine Moore
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