LD 289

With the passage of LD 289, Maine became the first state in the country to ban single-use food and drink containers made from polystyrene foam (commonly known by the trade name Styrofoam). These containers are a major source of plastic pollution. Because they are lightweight and non-recyclable, Styrofoam containers are often blown by the wind and end up polluting our lands and waters. They break down into microplastics, which pose a threat to fish and wildlife. More environmentally sound packaging will replace Styrofoam in Maine when the new law takes effect in January of 2021.