Maine Statewide Single-Use Plastic Bag Ban Law

LD 1532, signed in 2019 and effective in 2020, prohibits retail establishments from providing single-use plastic carryout bags at point of sale, codified at 38 MRS section 1611. Stores may offer recycled paper bags or reusable bags at a minimum 5-cent fee that the retailer retains. Restaurant takeout, dry cleaning, and produce bags have specific exemptions. Municipalities retain authority to adopt stricter local bag ordinances. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection enforces compliance and provides retailer guidance.

Violations are subject to civil penalties under 38 MRS section 349, with warnings preceding fines that can reach $500 per day for ongoing noncompliance.