Maine Legislation Could Soon Repeal the Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The ban on single-use plastic bags is arguably the biggest change to ever happen to Maine's retail landscape.

While it was initially supposed to go into effect in April 2020, the ban's implementation was delayed over concerns that it would promote the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  The ban was delayed a second time over supply chain concerns.  It finally went into effect on July 1st, 2021.

Under the ban, stores are prevented from bagging customer items in non-reusable plastic bags.  The stores may provide recycled paper bags or re-usable bags, but must charge a 5-cent fee for each bag used.

The law says, in part:

“Stores may provide recycled paper bags or reusable bags for their customers. Grocery stores, box stores, and other large retail stores that provide carry-out bags must collect a 5-cent fee for each bag except for reusable bags not made of plastic, such as cloth bags with stitched handles, which may be given away at no cost.”

Yes, we feel that some parts of the law are a little vague, too.

Now, it looks like the law may soon be modified or even repealed altogether.

Courtesy: www.b985.fm