ME DEP Environmental News

Maine DEP Releases Statewide Waste Characterization Study Findings

Maine Department of Environmental Protection announced findings from a comprehensive statewide waste characterization study funded by the EPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling grant program. The study, conducted by MSW Consultants, provides detailed data on Maine's waste stream composition through facility gate surveys, hand sorting, and seasonal sampling of municipal solid waste and construction debris.

Maine DEP Solid Waste Diversion Grant Program 2026

Maine DEP announced $165,000 in solid waste diversion grants for 2026, with awards ranging from $1,000 to $25,000. The program targets municipalities, regional associations, and Maine businesses proposing organic waste diversion, composting, source reduction, and upcycling initiatives. Priority funding goes to municipal and regional applicants.

10 Maine Wetland Projects Awarded $4.6M Funding

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection announced that the Maine Natural Resource Conservation Program awarded $4,633,343 to 10 wetland restoration and conservation projects across the state. Funding recipients include public agencies, municipalities, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations implementing projects such as salt marsh restoration, eelgrass restoration, dam removal, and wetland reconnection. The announcement covers projects in York, Yarmouth, Buckfield, Waldoboro, Aroostook County, and Acadia National Park.

Ban on Mercury-Containing Fluorescent Light Bulbs

Maine DEP announced enforcement of legislation enacted in 2023 banning the sale and distribution of mercury-containing fluorescent light bulbs effective January 1, 2026. The ban affects retailers and consumers throughout Maine and covers all types of mercury-containing fluorescent bulbs including linear, compact, black light, high-intensity discharge, ultraviolet, and neon variants. The legislation aims to reduce mercury pollution and protect public health and the environment.

Maine DEP Second Notice of Violation to Mallinckrodt/Medtronic for Site Remediation Failures

Maine DEP issued a second Notice of Violation to Mallinckrodt US LLC/Medtronic for failing to make meaningful progress on remediating a former chloralkali facility in Orrington, Maine. The NOV addresses unresolved contamination from mercury and chloropicrin, failure to remove the industrial sewer, and lack of required financial assurance mechanisms. This follows a first NOV issued March 19, 2025, and DEP's determination that the company's response was insufficient.