Last Updated:	2007-07-17
Report Contents
-   Full Report -   Sanctions/Penalties -   Key Documents -   Other Documents -   Contacts -   Revision History

Introduction

Maine continues to be among the most active states in mandating product take-back and recycling. In June 2007, Maine adopted legislation specifically governing the disposal and take-back of cellular phones. Public Law 343, “An Act to Promote Recycling of Cellular Telephones,” is codified at 38 MSRA § 2143. Maine previously had enacted one of the nation’s first comprehensive consumer electronics recycling and take-back programs. “An Act to Protect Public Health and the Environment by Providing for a System of Shared Responsibility for the Safe Collection and Recycling of Electronic Waste,” was enacted in April 2004.

The 2004 Act established a system in which responsibility for the collection and recycling of waste computer monitors and televisions is shared among municipalities, consolidation facilities, and manufacturers. Chapter 330 of the Acts of 2005 amended several provisions of the Act, including enforcement and reporting requirements.

Maine also has enacted legislation targeted at increasing the efficiency of recycling of mercury thermostats (addressed on the Mercury compounds in USA - Maine page) and requiring take-back of batteries (addressed on the Batteries in USA - Maine page).