Maine's Packaging Stewardship Program: Rules Are Final and Registration Has Begun

Maine was the first U.S. state to enact packaging EPR legislation. LD 1541, the Stewardship Program for Packaging, was enacted in July 2021 and codified as 38 M.R.S. § 2146. After multiple years of rulemaking, the program is now operational.

Rules Status

Chapter 428 implementing rules were adopted by the Maine Board of Environmental Protection on December 5, 2024. The rules are final.

What's Happening Now (June 2026)

Producers began registering and reporting in May 2026. Initial reports are an estimate of total tons of packaging supplied to Maine in calendar year 2025.

Maine DEP issued an RFP in spring 2026 to select a Stewardship Organization (SO) to operate the program. The SO contract is expected to be awarded soon.

Upcoming Key Dates

July 2026: SO invoices producers for the start-up registration fee (within 180 days of DEP-SO contract execution).

September 2026: producers pay the start-up registration fee.

March 2027: participating municipalities report on 2026 materials managed.

May 2027: producers report on 2026 packaging material.

September 2027: producers make first full annual payment.

October 2027: first municipal reimbursements paid by the SO.

Full program operational: 2027.

Who the Program Applies To

Covered producers include brand owners or, if no U.S. presence exists, importers of packaging materials sold into Maine.

Exemptions

The Maine program includes several specific exemptions:

- Producers with under $2 million in gross annual revenue - Producers with under 1 ton of Maine packaging - Certain salvage sellers - Perishable food producers under 15 tons

Low-volume producers, defined as those with under 15 tons per year of Maine packaging, can use a simplified compliance process. They pay a flat fee of $500 per ton.

Exempt Packaging Categories

- Long-term storage packaging for durable goods - Beverage containers covered by the Maine Bottle Bill (handled by the existing deposit system) - Architectural paint containers (handled by Maine's PaintCare program)

Penalties

Maine DEP has full enforcement authority under Chapter 428.

Program Contact

For producer questions: MainePackagingEPR@maine.gov

How ICTV Helps

For producers selling packaging into Maine as part of a broader multi-state footprint, ICTV provides material stream documentation and diversion records that support producer reporting. Documentation is structured to be compatible with Maine's reporting requirements and can be aggregated alongside reporting for Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, and other state EPR programs.