Original Law 1980 Changes 1990 Update 1991 Addition 1993 2003 Additions/ Changes Current Law
Name Maine Returnable Beverage Container Law
Purpose Reduce litter and solid waste generation, create incentives for recycling and reuse
Enacted 11/2/1976         6/25/2003  
Implemented 6/1/1978   1/1/1990     3/1/2004  
Beverages Covered Beer, soft drink, mineral water, wine cooler   Expanded to include wine, liquor, water and non-alcoholic carbonated or non-carbonated drinks       All beverages except dairy products and unprocessed cider
Containers Covered     Aseptic packages were banned   The ban on aseptics was repealed   all sealed containers made of glass, metal or plastic, containing 4 liters or less, excluding aseptics
Amount of Deposit Wine/liquor: 15¢ All others: 5¢           Wine/liquor: 15¢ All others: 5¢
Redemption Rate             No statistics available
Reclamation System Retail stores and redemption centers; Dealers may refuse containers if they have an agreement with a nearby redemption center           Retail stores and redemption centers; Dealers may refuse containers if they have an agreement with a nearby redemption center
Unredeemed Deposits       50% of unredeemed deposits escheat to state; the remainder are kept by distributors Original escheat provision repealed New escheat provision established. Unredeemed deposits (on any container not part of an approved commingling agreement) become property of state Property of state
Handling Fee 1¢ Increased to 2¢ Increased to 3¢     Increased to 3.5¢ 3.5¢ (3¢ if qualified commingling agreement) (m)
View Legislation              
Notes Distributors who initiate deposits have the obligation to pick up containers from the dealers they deliver to or from the licensed redemption center that serves those dealers.There is a per container fine of $100 for tendering containers purchased out of state for redemption.            

Footnotes

[m] Statutes of Maine: Title 32: Chapter 28: Section 4-c (http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/32/title32sec1866.html)