Content area
Full Text
Waste management systems have changed radically in Maine during the last two decades, and organics diversion programs have played an important role.
IN 1989, the Maine legislature enacted one of the most progressive solid waste and recycling laws in the nation, establishing a goal of 50 percent recycling by January, 1994. All of the state's substandard landfills were required to close by the end of 1992. Although not all of the timetables were met, these policies ultimately had a dramatic impact. Recycling programs have been implemented in 415 of 460 Maine cities and towns, serving 95 percent of the population. In 1993, Maine was recycling 33 percent of its municipal solid waste (the last official estimate), double the 16 percent recycling rate in 1988. The 1995 recycling rate may be 40 percent or more, according to preliminary figures.
Currently, only nine municipal solid waste landfills are licensed and in operation, along with five commercially owned and operated landfills for special waste such as incinerator ash, papermill sludge and asbestos. Maine now landfills only 28 percent of its MSW. Thirty-nine percent of MSW is incinerated at three private waste to energy facilities. Sixty-four curbside recycling programs are operational...