PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • June 13, 2025
Maine has delayed for the second time a full phaseout of polystyrene foam food containers. Gov. Janet Mills signed a law, LD 1306, on May 30 as an emergency measure, meaning it took effect immediately. Under the law, two exemptions to the state’s ban on the containers will continue until July 1, 2027, after which no food or drink packaged in foam will be allowed on Maine store shelves. The exemptions apply to food items including raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs that are sold in the foam containers, and retailers can continue to sell food and beverages in foam containers if it was prepackaged at a wholesale level.