ASSOCIATED PRESS • July 6, 2021
Maine lawmakers have passed a bill to regulate packaging materials by having private companies pay for the cost of disposing of the waste and improve state recycling programs. The bill passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan votes in June, but was held up until the state budget passed, the Portland Press Herald reported. If the bill is signed by Gov. Janet Mills the extended producer responsibility program will include plastic, paper and cardboard. Mills’ office would not say if the governor plans to sign the bill Friday.