Last Updated:	2007-07-01
Group:	Metals
Report Contents
-   Restricted Substances -   Summary -   Materials or Products Listed -   Exemptions -   Sanctions/Penalties -   Laws & Regulations -   Links -   Contacts -   Revision History

Introduction

The following Maine laws restrict the use, sale and distribution, labeling, or disposal of products containing mercury.

1. Toxics in Packaging Legislation

In 1989, Maine became the first state in the nation to enact a toxics-in-packaging law based on the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation drafted by the Coalition of Northeastern Governors.

Nineteen other states have enacted toxics-in-packaging laws modeled after the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation (California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin).

2. Mercury-Specific Legislation

Maine has a comprehensive set of laws governing the use, sale and distribution, labeling, and disposal of products containing mercury. Information on laws regulating batteries that contain mercury may be found at the Batteries in USA-Maine page.

3. Other Restricted Substances Legislation

Maine law establishes a policy of reducing the release of mercury and dioxins into the environment.

Defined Restrictions:

1. Toxics in Packaging Legislation

The sum of concentration levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium present in any package or packaging component must not exceed 100 ppm by weight.