Closing the Out-of-State Waste Loophole

An Act To Protect the Health and Welfare of Maine Communities and Reduce Harmful Solid Waste (2022)

Sponsors: Anne M. Carney

LD 1639

LD 1639 closes the loophole in Maine’s waste management laws that allowed Massachusetts and other New England states to truck their construction and demolition waste to the state-owned Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town. The loophole classified waste as “in-state” once it entered a solid waste processing facility in Maine, no matter where it originated, and allowed nearly 40 tons of out-of-state waste to be dumped at Juniper Ridge nearly every day. Rapidly filling landfills require expansions and lead to increased pollution, which disproportionately impacts the Penobscot Nation, residents living near the landfill, and the Penobscot River and Bay. This legislation will help protect Maine’s environment and public health. Environmental justice has been served here!