NATURAL RESOURCES COUNCIL OF MAINE • May 3, 2023
An emergency bill that would provide immediate financial relief to struggling redemption centers has been approved by the Maine Legislature and is heading to Governor Mills’ desk. Redemption center owners and environmental groups were urging lawmakers to quickly pass LD 134 with the two-thirds vote necessary for it to be implemented right away. They will now shift their attention to supporting a companion bill sponsored by Representative Allison Hepler aimed at modernizing the Bottle Bill. Maine’s Bottle Bill began in 1978 and has become the state’s most effective recycling and litter prevention program. The money redeemed at centers is often used to support local charities.