On July 16, regulatory bodies in Maine released a draft amendment aimed at implementing the state's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law for packaging, which includes an expanded definition of "toxics."
The initial draft of the proposal was published in February of this year. It imposes recycling fees on packaging based on substances intentionally added by consumer goods companies, defining "toxics" as PFAS, phthalates, and priority chemicals listed in state regulations concerning food packaging and children's products.
According to the newly released draft amendment, "toxics" means
- chemicals of concern, chemicals of high concern, or priority chemicals priority chemicals listed by the Department in accordance with Toxic chemicals in children’s products, 38 M.R.S. § 1694;
- PFAS and phthalates as defined in under Reduction of toxics in packaging, 32 M.R.S. § 1732;
- and food contact chemicals of high concern or priority food contact chemicals priority chemicals listed by the Department in accordance with Toxic chemicals in food packaging, 32 M.R.S. § 1743.
The deadline for comments on the current draft rules is set for August 26, 2024, at 5:00 PM. Contact information for the agency: Brian Beneski, Address: 17 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333, Phone: (207) 592-0248.
