Amend Maine's Bag Bill

Update as of 3/19/25

The Surfrider Maine Chapter and the Northeast Regional Manager have been working on crafting language for the Better Bag Ban. On 3/18/25, H.P. 741, An Act to Amend the Law Banning Single-use Carry-out Bags was introduced. The bill is sponsored by Representative Warren, and cosponsored by Representatives Bell and Osher. 

If you are interested in learning more about this initiative and getting involved, please email climate@maine.surfrider.org or idefrancesco@surfrider.org

History

Our Maine Chapter is working with coalition partners to amend the state's current law to ban 4 mils. 4 mils, are thicker and heavier than a standard plastic bag. The state's plastic bag ban, which was signed into law in 2019, bans plastic film bags under 4 mils and requires a fee of at least 5 cents for all single-use paper and plastic film bags at/over 4 mils. 

Unfortunately, there are stores across the state that are solely providing 4 mil bags and are using this "loophole" as a way to charge consumers a higher price for these bags. 

The chapter is working to propose an amendment to the current bill, to completely ban 4 mil bags, thus creating a stronger bag ban, ensuring consumers use either reusable or paper bags.

These disposable plastic bags are not recyclable, harm wildlife and our environment, clog sewage drains, contaminate our drinking water, and break down into toxic microplastics that accumulate in our oceans and landfills.