AUGUSTA, MAINE, June 8, 2023 ? The Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan for Maine (the "Waste Plan") will be revised and made available by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) in January 2024.?In compliance with state law, this statewide plan is reviewed and revised every five years. The most recent Waste Plan was released in 2019, and it is available here:?
https://www.maine.gov/tools/whatsnew/attach.php?id=1086792&an=1
The Department is seeking public input for updating the Waste Plan and will be hosting a series of five regional stakeholder meetings as part of that stakeholder process.?? These meetings will be accessible either in-person or remotely, ensuring all interested parties are able to participate.
The first two meetings have been scheduled for June of 2023 and will be held at the University of Maine campuses in Presque Isle and Machias. ?Please RSVP for the individual meetings using the links below.? Those attending remotely will receive a Microsoft teams link after registration.?
Please note that childcare will be available onsite to ensure parents and caregivers can participate.
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The DEP views this plan as an opportunity for open dialogue on existing initiatives to support the state's solid waste management hierarchy and to solicit feedback from citizens, companies, towns, and other stakeholders throughout Maine. Plan discussions will focus on strategies and actions for the Department and solid waste management entities to make progress toward Maine?s statewide recycling, composting, and waste reduction goals, including short-term changes and laying the groundwork for longer-term opportunities with capital investments that may require a longer period for return on investment.
Additional Waste Plan meetings will take place from July to early August of 2023 at University of Maine and University of Southern Maine campuses in Orono, Augusta, and Portland.?The Department will issue a follow-up press release that includes a detailed timeline describing how and when to participate in the remaining three stakeholder meetings in the next few weeks.
If you are interested in participating in these regional stake holder meetings, would like to receive notifications regarding future actions the Department is taking in developing the Waste Plan, or have any other questions or comments, please sign up for the Department?s materials management plan listserv by emailing: [email protected].
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