Sofia Martinez
Plastic pollution is a pressing issue in Maine, with scientists at the Shaw Institute in Blue Hill finding an average of 17 pieces of microplastic per litre of seawater. In light of this, it is important to know how to recycle plastic film in the state. Plastic film includes bread bags, newspaper bags, frozen food bags, candy bar wrappers, chip bags, and six-pack rings. Retailers that provide single-use bags are required to serve as a public plastic bag recycling drop-off location for any recyclable plastic bags and film. This includes large retailers like Hannaford, Shaws, and Wal-Mart.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic recycling rate in Maine | 36% |
| Plastic pollution in Maine's coastal waters | 17 pieces of microplastic per liter of seawater |
| Plastic in Maine oysters and mussels | 177 plastic particles per animal |
| Plastic bags and film recycling drop-off locations | Retailers providing single-use bags, such as Brackett's Market, Hannaford, Shaws, and Wal-Mart |
| Recyclable plastic bags and film | Bread bags, newspaper bags, produce bags, deli bags, bakery bags, candy bar wrappers, chip bags, six-pack rings |
| Reusable plastic film bags recyclability | Yes, but not through municipal recycling programs that accept plastic containers |
| Recommended actions | Reduce plastic consumption, reuse plastic bags, recycle at designated drop-off locations |
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What You'll Learn
Retailers as drop-off locations
In Maine, retailers that continue to provide single-use plastic bags to shoppers for loose, unpackaged goods prior to purchase must serve as a public plastic bag recycling drop-off location for all plastic bags and film, including those provided by other stores. This includes plastic bags and film from produce, deli, and bakery items. As such, retailers like Brackett's Market, Hannaford, Shaws, and Wal-Mart have collection kiosks for plastic bags and plastic film.
If a retailer provides plastic bags for loose items or fully plastic reusable bags for carry-out, the store is required to have a collection bin and recycle these bags. This means that if you have plastic bags or film, you can return them to the retail store for recycling, along with your other recyclable plastic film.
It is important to note that thicker, reusable plastic film bags cannot be recycled through municipal recycling programs that accept plastic containers like jugs, tubs, and bottles. However, they can be recycled at your nearest participating retailer.
Maine also has a free paint recycling program, and you can check with your local recycling center to see if they collect styrofoam peanuts or know of local businesses or organizations that can reuse them.
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Reuse plastic bags
Plastic bags are a versatile product with many uses beyond a single shopping trip. Reusing plastic bags is a great way to save energy and resources, and there are plenty of ways to do so.
Firstly, plastic bags can be used for storage. They can be used to store leftovers, or to portion out snacks and meals, such as homemade granola or broth. Plastic bags are also useful for storing small toys, jewellery, or toiletries when travelling. In the kitchen, plastic bags can be used to organise utensils and gadgets, such as cookie cutters or popsicle moulds. They can also be used to seal and extend the shelf life of foods like nuts and grains in the freezer.
Plastic bags can also be used for waste. They are useful for picking up after dogs and can be used as bin liners. However, it is important to note that bags which have contained raw meat, fish, eggs, or potential allergens should not be reused due to food safety issues.
There are also many crafty ways to reuse plastic bags. They can be used to create wreaths, pompoms, or decorations. They can be turned into useful items like coasters, or even made into new accessories, such as handbags, clutches, or rugs.
It is important to note that while reusing plastic bags is a great way to reduce waste, it is not a long-term solution to plastic pollution. Plastic bags should be recycled where possible, and alternatives such as silicone pouches, washable storage vessels, or reusable shopping bags should be considered to reduce plastic waste.
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Types of plastic film
Plastic film is typically defined as a thin, flexible plastic that is typically used for packaging. It can be made from a variety of resins, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. Plastic film products are usually marked with a "resin identification code" that consists of a triangle of arrows surrounding a number. This code helps consumers identify the type of plastic and determine if it can be recycled. Here are some common types of plastic film:
Polyethylene (PE) Film: This is one of the most common types of plastic film and is used in a variety of applications, including grocery bags, retail bags, and product packaging. PE film is often recycled and can be identified by the resin identification code "4".
Polypropylene (PP) Film: Polypropylene film is known for its strength and flexibility, making it ideal for packaging applications that require durability. PP film is commonly used in food packaging, such as yogurt cups and take-out containers, and can be identified by the resin identification code "5".
Polyester (PET) Film: Polyester film, also known as polyethylene terephthalate, is a strong and transparent plastic film commonly used in food and beverage packaging, such as water bottles and cookie trays. PET film can be recycled and has the resin identification code "1".
Nylon (PA) Film: Nylon film is a high-performance plastic film known for its toughness and flexibility. It is commonly used in applications that require strength and durability, such as in the automotive and electronics industries. Nylon film can be identified by the resin identification code "7".
Degradable and Compostable Film: These types of plastic film are designed to break down over time into smaller pieces or organic matter. Degradable and compostable film packaging is often used for food products and can include items such as pre-washed salad mix bags and candy bar wrappers.
In Maine, there are several options for recycling plastic film. Many retailers that provide single-use plastic bags, such as produce, deli, and bakery bags, are required to serve as public plastic bag recycling drop-off locations for any recyclable plastic bags and film. This includes larger stores like Hannaford, which has collection kiosks for plastic bags and plastic film. Additionally, some municipalities, like the City of Bath, provide specific locations and businesses where residents can recycle plastic film.
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Plastic bag recycling law
On June 17, 2019, Maine Governor Janet Mills signed a bill into law banning single-use plastic bags in Maine. The bill was passed by the Maine Legislature in an effort to reduce the usage of single-use plastic carry-out bags and encourage the use of reusable bags, thereby reducing plastic waste and litter. The law came into effect on July 1, 2021, and includes the following provisions:
Firstly, it prohibits the distribution of plastic shopping bags at the point of sale at all retail establishments in Maine. This includes stores, restaurants, and temporary or seasonal businesses such as farmers' markets, food trucks, or fairs. All carry-out bags provided by retailers must be either reusable or recycled paper bags. Retailers are also required to charge a minimum fee of 5 cents per carry-out bag, with the funds being kept by the retailer for any legal purpose.
Secondly, the law places a minimum 5-cent fee on paper bags available at large retailers that sell food. This is to provide an incentive for shoppers to bring their own reusable bags. The paper bags provided by retailers must be made from recycled content and be recyclable.
Thirdly, the law includes exemptions for certain uses, such as bags for produce, baked goods, or live animals. Retailers that provide single-use plastic bags for these exempt purposes must offer recycling stations within 20 feet of the store's entrance and ensure that the bags are recycled. Additionally, restaurants and small local community shops that do not sell food are exempt from charging a fee for paper or reusable plastic bags.
The plastic bag ban in Maine is part of a larger movement to reduce plastic waste and shift responsibility for recycling onto companies. Maine was one of the first states to pass laws making producers pay fees for packaging and requiring them to cover 100% of cities' recycling costs. This law is similar to extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs that have been successful in other countries, such as South Korea and Ireland, in increasing recycling rates.
In addition to the plastic bag ban, Maine has implemented other initiatives to reduce plastic waste, such as a free paint recycling program and a beverage container redemption program. The state also requires the recycling of all cell phones and has various programs for recycling electronics, light bulbs, batteries, and other materials.
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Plastic pollution in Maine
Plastic pollution is a leading environmental issue in Maine, with plastic waste pervading waterways, coastlines, forests, and open spaces, and endangering wildlife and human health. The Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is working to address this issue and has noted the diverse sources of plastic pollution in the state, which show no signs of slowing down.
Maine has implemented several measures to tackle plastic pollution, including bans on single-use plastic bags and foam food containers. Retailers that continue to provide single-use plastic bags for loose unpackaged goods must serve as public plastic bag recycling drop-off locations. Additionally, stores are required to charge a minimum of 5 cents for each bag provided to customers, whether recycled paper or reusable. The state also encourages the use of reusable bags, promoting a consistent shift away from single-use carry-out bags.
Despite these efforts, plastic pollution remains a significant challenge. Scientific research reveals that plastic breaks down into microplastics, which are challenging to detect and can be mistaken for food by fish and birds. The production of plastic also contributes to the issue, as it generates greenhouse gas emissions that exacerbate the climate crisis.
To further combat plastic pollution, Maine has introduced an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Packaging law, which mandates that corporations design more environmentally responsible packaging materials. Additionally, Maine has upgraded its Bottle Bill, ensuring the availability of local redemption centers for bottle and can recycling.
The state offers various recycling programs for other materials, such as electronics, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury-containing devices, and batteries. Maine also has a free paint recycling program and collection kiosks for plastic bags and plastic film in stores like Hannaford, Shaws, and Wal-Mart.
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Frequently asked questions
Many retailers in Maine, including Hannaford, Shaws, and Wal-Mart, have collection kiosks for plastic bags and plastic film. Other stores may also offer this service. Brackett's Market and Bath in the City of Bath, Maine, also offer plastic film recycling.
You can recycle plastic bread bags, newspaper bags, plastic sandwich bags, plastic wrap, frozen food bags, candy bar wrappers, chip bags, and six-pack rings.
Yes, some cities in Maine offer curbside pickup for recycling. However, some cities, like Bath, only offer drop-off recycling. Contact your local recycling center to find out what services are available in your area.
Maine has a free paint recycling program, and you can return most beverage containers (except milk products and fresh apple cider) to grocery stores and redemption centers. You can also recycle rigid plastics, electronics, fluorescent light bulbs, mercury thermostats, and mercury thermometers.
According to an environmental educator, the recycling success rate in Maine is 36%, which is higher than in many other states. However, it's important to note that only 9% of plastic worldwide is recycled, and the recycling industry has faced significant challenges in recent years.
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