Maine, the first U.S. state to adopt an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law for packaging in 2021, has introduced amendments through law LD 1423. This new version, supported by the packaging industry, aligns with the “shared responsibility” model adopted by other states such as Minnesota, Maryland, and Washington.
The reforms have drawn criticism from environmental groups such as the Natural Resources Council of Maine and the National Stewardship Action Council, which accuse producers of weakening the law before its implementation and attempting to shift costs to the public sector. Several municipalities and waste operators, such as Portland and Ecomaine, have also opposed it, fearing delays in promised reimbursements.
In contrast, the American Forest Paper Association supported the measure, praising the balance of the changes and their compatibility with already established recycling systems, such as that of paper.
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