Dive Brief:

• The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is proposing a series of changes to multiple solid waste rules in the state. 
• The agency hopes to use Maine’s solid waste management rankings for permit decisions as an approval standard.
• The hierarchy system would advance waste management in a specified order: reduction, reuse, recycling composting, land disposal, and waste processing that serves to reduce volume. 

Dive Insight:

In the past, the rankings were used solely as a model for policymakers. The proposed change removes the burden from the state and shifts it to applicants, who must prove that facilities are in alignment with the mandate. 

The model for beneficial reuse of solid waste is also slated to be altered. The DEP is looking to replace the current standard with a rule from the Maine Remedial Action Guidelines for Sites Contaminated with Hazardous Substances. The change is anticipated to make screening standards consistent with guidelines that are already in place, which would serve to guarantee that the most current risk values are applied.