An Act To Provide for the Safe Collection and Recycling of Mercury-containing Lighting
FILED UNDER: Environmental | Passed | 2010
Summary
Representative Berry of Bowdoinham would require manufacturers of mercury-added lamps to implement a mercury-added lamp recycling program for lamps sold or distributed in Maine for household use. It would mandate a report by January 1, 2010, detailing how the recycling program could be extended to businesses.
Position
UPDATE, 2/26/10: Maine Department of Environmental Protection has issued their report on CFL's. Report posted at right -> (NOTE: 36 pages)
Maine Merchants Association testified neither for nor against but urged the committee to consider the impact of the legislation on our membership.
In early May, there was a proposal being considered which would shift the burden of the program to the retail community. Maine Merchants opposes this proposal and drafted a letter to the committee outlining the opposition. (See attached documents)
On Thursday, May 8, the Natural Resources Committee tabled the bill. The committee seems split and will likely vote the bill out with a split report.
This bill was passed with no collection burden on retailers. Manufacturers need to report back to the legislature with a plan for collection.