Maine's Materials Management Plan for Solid Waste and Recycling

The Maine Materials Management Plan is updated every five years in accordance with the requirements of 38 M.R.S. §2122. State waste management and recycling plan, which requires the Department to prepare an analysis of, and a plan for, the statewide management, reduction and recycling of solid waste based on the priorities and recycling goals established in sections 2101 and 2132.

The plan provides guidance and direction to municipalities in planning and implementing waste management and recycling programs at the state, regional and local levels.

To better understand what is happening at the local level, the Department is soliciting public feedback through a series of regional stakeholder meetings during the summer of 2023.

To be added to the Department's distribution list, please email: MaineWastePlan2024@maine.gov.

Previous Materials Management Plans

• Maine Materials Management Plan: State Solid Waste Management and Recycling Plan 2019 Update [PDF]
• Maine Materials Management Plan: 2014 State Waste Management and Recycling Plan Update and 2012 Waste Generation and Disposal Capacity Report [PDF]

Maine Waste Generation and Disposal Capacity Reports

In addition to preparing an updated materials management plan every five years, the Department prepares an analysis of waste generation, diversion efforts, and disposal capacity every two years. These reports are available on our Department Reports webpage.

To prepare informed reports on the status of Maine’s materials management programs, the Department relies on accurate reporting from municipalities, recycling establishment, transfer station, and permitted facilities that manage material from landfills to processing facilities. Learn more about these reports on our Solid Waste Forms and Fees page.