Clarifies the approval process for the beverage container management program in Maine.

This bill amends the laws governing the beverage container redemption program in Maine. It specifies that the operation plan for managing beverage containers must transition from sorting by brand to sorting by material type by October 1, 2026. The Department of Environmental Protection must review and approve or reject the plan within 120 days of submission, holding a public meeting beforehand. If rejected, the cooperative can submit a revised plan. The department's review is not considered a final action and is not subject to application processing rules.

Clarifies the approval process for the beverage container management program in Maine.

This bill amends the laws governing the beverage container redemption program in Maine. It specifies that the operation plan for managing beverage containers must transition from sorting by brand to sorting by material type by October 1, 2026. The Department of Environmental Protection must review and approve or reject the plan within 120 days of submission, holding a public meeting beforehand. If rejected, the cooperative can submit a revised plan. The department's review is not considered a final action and is not subject to application processing rules.