Maine

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*Statewide Legislation
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
4/22/2020
Stores Affected
All business establishments; restaurants exempt
Paper Bag Requirements
(1) Is 100% recyclable; and (2) Contains at least 20% post-consumer recycled material if it has a capacity to hold at least 8 pounds,
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
None specified
Fee Per Paper Bag
$0.05
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
a bag with handles that: (1) Is designed and manufactured to withstand a minimum of 75 repeated uses; (2) Is machine washable or made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; (3) If made from plastic is at least 4 mils thick; and (4) Has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
The requirement to charge a fee under paragraph A does not apply to: (1) Stores at which less than 2% of retail sales are attributed to the sale of food and that have less than 10,000 square feet of retail area; (2) Restaurants; or (3) Hunger relief organizations engaged in distributing food directly to consumers at no charge.
Updated as of
7/16/2019
Bath
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
4/22/2018
Stores Affected
All retail establishments and restaurants
Paper Bag Requirements
None Stated
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
$0.05
Later Fee Increase
$0.10 after 1st year and $0.15 after 2nd year
Reusable Bag Requirements
Is designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of time; 2. Is made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; 3. Is at least two and one-quarter (2.25) mils thick if made from plastic, has handles, and has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
A store may make available for sale to a customer a single-use paper carryout bag for a mandatory, minimum charge of five cents ($0.05) per bag. The charge will increase to ten cents ($0.10) per bag one year after this ordinance takes effect. The charge will increase to fifteen cents ($0.15) per bag two years after this ordinance takes effect.
Updated as of
4/10/2018
Belfast
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
1/1/2018
Stores Affected
All business establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
N/A
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
A bag designed and manufactured to withstand 50 repeated uses over a period of time; is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; is at least 4 mils thick if made of plastic; and has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
4/10/2018
Biddeford
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
7/15/2019
Stores Affected
All business establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
None Specified
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
None Specified
Fee Per Paper Bag
None Specified
Later Fee Increase
None Specified
Reusable Bag Requirements
Designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of time; is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly, has a minimum rated lifetime of 75 uses, capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds and if plastic is at least 4.0 mil thick
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
None Specified
Additional Information
https://www.ecode360.com/BI3074/laws/LF1084632.pdf
Updated as of
7/16/2019
Blue Hill
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
6/10/2018
Stores Affected
All business establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
N/A
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
A bag specifically designed and manufactured for the repeated use of carrying food, beverage or merchandise, whether made of cloth, fiber or plastic, and has the capability of carrying a 18 pounds or more and, if plastic, is at least 4.0 mil thick.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
4/17/2018
Brunswick
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
9/1/2017
Stores Affected
All retail establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
N/A
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
a bag that is: (a) designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of time; (b) is machine washable or made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; (c) at least 4.0 mil thick if made from plastic; (d) has a minimum lifetime of 75 uses; and (e) capable of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
6/9/2017
Camden
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
4/30/2019
Stores Affected
All business establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
None Specified
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
None Specified
Fee Per Paper Bag
$0.10
Later Fee Increase
None Specified
Reusable Bag Requirements
(a) Designed and manufactured to withstand 50 repeated uses over a period of time; (b) Is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; (c) Is at least four mils thick, if made from plastic; and (d) Has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
None Specified
Additional Information
Updated as of
5/31/2019
Cape Elizabeth
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
12/6/2017
Stores Affected
Food stores
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
$0.05
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
is designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of 10 time; ii. is machine washable or made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; iii. is at least 2.25 millimeters thick if made from plastic; iv. has a minimum lifetime of 75 uses; and v. has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
4/10/2018
Damariscotta
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
3/1/2019
Stores Affected
All business establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
N/A
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
Designed and manufactured to withstand 125 repeated uses over a period of time; is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; is at least 4.0 mils thick if made from non-woven plastic; and has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
1/29/2019
Falmouth
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
4/1/2016
Stores Affected
All retail stores and restaurants
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
$0.05
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
(a) Designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of time; 3 (b) Is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; (c) Is at least 4 mil thick, if made from plastic; and (d) Has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
2/11/2016
Freeport
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
9/12/2016
Stores Affected
Food stores
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
$0.05
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
(a) Designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of time; (b) Is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; (c) Has a minimum lifetime of 75 uses; and (d) Has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
4/10/2018
Kennebunk
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
10/15/2016
Stores Affected
All retail establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
N/A
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
N/A
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
6/17/2016
Manchester
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
6/14/2018
Stores Affected
All retail establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
None Specified
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
None Specified
Fee Per Paper Bag
None Specified
Later Fee Increase
None Specified
Reusable Bag Requirements
A bag that is designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of time, is machine washable or made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly, has a minimum lifetime of 75 uses, and is capable of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
None Specified
Additional Information
Updated as of
9/21/2021
Mount Desert
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
5/8/2019
Stores Affected
All business establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
N/A
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
A bag specifically designed and manufactured for the repeated use of carrying food, beverage or merchandise, whether made of cloth, fiber or plastic; is machine washable or made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; has the capability of carrying 18 pounds or more; and, if plastic, is at least 3.0 mil thick.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
5/31/2019
Newcastle
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
3/1/2019
Stores Affected
All business establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
N/A
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
Designed and manufactured to withstand 125 repeated uses over a period of time; is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; is at least 4.0 mils thick if made from non-woven plastic; and has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
1/29/2019
Portland
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
4/15/2015
Stores Affected
Grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, pharmacies, and other vendors that sell food items. Does not apply to restaurants
Paper Bag Requirements
None Stated
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
$0.05
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
Reusable Bag means a bag that is: (a) Designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of time; (b) Is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; (c) That is at least 2.25 mil thick if made from plastic; (d) Has a minimum lifetime of 75 uses; and (e) Has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
Store Signage required
Updated as of
4/20/2015
Rockland
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
1/1/2019
Stores Affected
All business establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
$0.05
Later Fee Increase
$0.10 after 1st year and $0.15 after 2nd year
Reusable Bag Requirements
(a) Designed and manufactured to withstand 50 repeated uses over a period of time; (b) Is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; (c) Is at least four mils thick, if made from plastic; and (d) Has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
Store signage required
Updated as of
4/10/2018
Saco
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
5/3/2017
Stores Affected
All retail establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
N/A
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
a bag with consumer carrying handles that is specifically designed and manufactured for multiple reuse and is made of cloth, fiber or other machine washable fabric, but not plastic film.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
4/10/2018
South Portland
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
3/1/2016
Stores Affected
A full-line, self-service market selling food, a drug store, pharmacy, supermarket, grocery store, convenience store, food mart
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
$0.05
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
(a) is designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of time; (b) is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; (c) is at least 2.25 mil thick if made from plastic; (d) has a minimum lifetime of 75 uses; and (e) has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
Store signage required
Updated as of
4/7/2016
Southwest Harbor
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
2/22/2019
Stores Affected
All business establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
N/A
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
A bag specifically designed and manufactured for the repeated use of carrying food, beverage or merchandise, whether made of cloth, fiber or plastic, is machine washable or made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; has the capability of carrying 18 pounds or more; and if plastic, is at least 4.0 mil thick.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
1/16/2019
Topsham
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
5/7/2017
Stores Affected
Food stores
Paper Bag Requirements
N/A
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
$0.05
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
(a) is designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of time; (b) is machine washable or, made from a material that can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; (c) is at least 4.0 mil thick if made from plastic; (d) has a minimum lifetime of 75 uses; and (e) has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
Store signage required
Updated as of
4/10/2018
Waterville
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
9/1/2019
Stores Affected
Businesses with a retail or commercial space at or exceeding 10,000 square feet.
Paper Bag Requirements
None Specified
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
None Specified
Fee Per Paper Bag
None Specified
Later Fee Increase
None Specified
Reusable Bag Requirements
(a) Is made from fabric, cloth, nylon, woven or non-woven polypropylene, or RPET, (b) Is at least 4 mils thick; (c) Is machine washable and can be cleaned and disinfected regularly; (d) Designed and manufactured to withstand at least 60 uses; (e) Has handles with which to carry the bag; (f) Has the capability of carrying a minimum of 18 pounds
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
None Specified
Additional Information
Updated as of
10/7/2019
York
Status
Approved
Enforcement Date
3/1/2016
Stores Affected
All retail establishments
Paper Bag Requirements
Paper bags that are accepted for recycling by the Town of York's curbside recycling program
Paper Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Fee Per Paper Bag
N/A
Later Fee Increase
N/A
Reusable Bag Requirements
A bag with handles that is specifically designed and manufactured to withstand repeated uses over a period of time and is machine washable or is made from a material that can be cleaned or disinfected, or made of durable plastic that is at least 3 mils if made of plastic.
Reusable Bag Printing Requirements
N/A
Additional Information
N/A
Updated as of
2/25/2016