Public input sought for Maine Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan

The Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan for Maine will be revised and made available by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in January 2024.

In compliance with state law, this statewide plan is reviewed and revised every five years. The most recent Waste Plan was released in 2019.

The department is seeking public input how to update the waste plan and is hosting a series of five regional stakeholder meetings as part of that stakeholder process. These meetings are accessible in-person or remotely.

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The third meeting is set for July 10 and will take place at the University of Maine campus in Orono, Maine. Those attending remotely will receive a Microsoft Teams link after registration.

The registration link and meeting room details are posted on the department’s materials management plan webpage.

The DEP views this plan as an opportunity for open dialogue on existing initiatives to support the state's solid waste management hierarchy and to solicit feedback from citizens, companies, towns and other stakeholders throughout Maine.

Discussions will focus on strategies and actions the department and solid waste management entities can undertake to make progress toward Maine's statewide recycling, composting and waste reduction goals, including short-term changes and laying the groundwork for longer-term opportunities with capital investments that could require a longer period for return on investment.

Additional waste plan sessions will take in Augusta and Portland, Maine, in late July or early August. In the coming weeks, the DEP says it will provide further information, including a precise schedule outlining how and when to participate in the final two stakeholder meetings.

Those who are interested in participating in regional stakeholder meetings or who have any other questions or comments should sign up for the DEP’s materials management plan listserv by emailing mainewasteplan2024@maine.gov.