For Immediate Release

AUGUSTA, MAINE, July 14, 2023 — The Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan for Maine (the "Waste Plan") is currently being updated, and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection ("DEP") is still looking for feedback from the public. Every five years, the DEP is required by law to evaluate and update the Waste Plan, which was most recently updated in 2019. The final two regional meetings will be held by the DEP in Augusta and Portland. The DEP has already held three regional meetings in Presque Isle, Machias, and Orono. To ensure all interested parties can participate, attendance can be in person or remotely via Microsoft teams.  Pease RSVP for the meeting you plan to attend using the link to our webpage below.  Those attending remotely will receive a Microsoft teams link after registration.

Augusta

• When: Wednesday, July 26^th, 2023 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm EDT
• Where: Maine Department of Environmental Protection, Central Maine Office, AMHI Campus, Marquardt Building Room #118
• Campus parking map: Office Locations, AMHI Campus Map, Maine DEP   (Please note the Ray Building is under renovation and DEP staff is currently located in the Marquardt Building. It is suggested to utilize the parking lots to the right of the Marquardt Building on the map.) 
• To register, follow this link:  5-year Waste Plan – Augusta Meeting Registration

Portland

• When: Wednesday, August 9^th, 2023 from 1:00pm – 4:00pm EDT
• Where: University of Southern Maine, Portland Campus, Wishcamper Center 
• Campus parking map: University of Southern Maine Portland Campus Map
• To register, follow this link:  5-year Waste Plan – Portland Meeting Registration
• Note that there is a parking fee if you wish to utilize on campus parking for this event.

These meetings are seen by the DEP as a chance to get input from stakeholders such as individuals, businesses, towns, and other interested parties. The meetings will focus on strategies and actions that will assist Maine in achieving its statewide recycling, composting, and waste reduction goals, support the state’s solid waste management hierarchy, and improve waste management.  The DEP encourages attendees to review the 2019 version of the Waste Plan available here: 2019 Maine Materials Management Plan. 

The Portland meeting will be the final meeting.  Written comments may also be submitted via email to MaineWastePlan2024@maine.gov until September 1^st, 2023. Comments submitted will be made public after a short processing period.