Program behind schedule, reimbursement delayed until at least late 2027
After years of planning, the Maine state government is seeking a contractor to run a program that aims to cut down on packaging waste, but its success will depend on how many municipalities participate.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection issued a request for proposals on June 15 for an organization to operate the program for 10 years, according to the agency. Bids are due Aug. 3. The procurement is several months behind schedule, the department said, pushing the timeline for municipalities to be reimbursed until at least the end of next year.
Maine became the first state to approve a stewardship program for packaging in 2021. The law requires large companies and manufacturers to help pay for the cost of recycling the packaging they bring into the state. Much of that packaging is plastic, but any cardboard, metal, glass or paper material that packages a consumer good will fall under the program.
The program is not yet operating, but the state has outlined how it will work: Towns and cities that opt in will report to the state how many tons of packaging they recycle each year. They would then be eligible for reimbursement funded by fees levied against companies that send disposable packaging to customers. How much a company pays will vary based on the amount and type of packaging material it distributes.
Some town leaders said they are hesitant to sign up because they believe the program’s rules will be too cumbersome. Bids are due Aug. 3, and municipalities will then decide whether to opt in.