Landfills & Dumps in Maine

Maine's waste management system is regulated by the Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Remediation and Waste Management, which supports an integrated approach emphasizing waste reduction, reuse, and recycling over disposal. Under Maine Revised Statutes 38 MRS Section 1306, it is unlawful to establish, construct, alter, or operate any waste facility without a permit from the department. The state operates a network of municipal and regional landfills, private facilities, and town-operated transfer stations that serve communities from coastal Portland to the remote northern forests.

Most Maine towns operate their own transfer stations where residents bring household waste, recyclables, and special items for disposal. Access typically requires a permit or sticker obtained from town hall, with fees and operating hours varying by municipality. Waste collected at transfer stations is then transported to regional disposal facilities, including landfills and waste-to-energy plants. This decentralized system gives communities significant control over their solid waste management while maintaining compliance with state environmental standards.

Recycling is mandatory in most Maine communities, with paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics commonly accepted at transfer stations. Maine's bottle redemption program covers beer, soda, water, wine, and spirits containers, returning 5 or 15 cents per container depending on type. This program keeps millions of containers out of the waste stream annually and provides income for redemption centers and charitable organizations that collect empties. The next biennial recycling progress report from municipalities is due April 30, 2025.

The Maine Materials Management Plan establishes the state's goals for waste reduction and diversion. DEP programs address solid waste facilities management, sludge and residuals management, scrap tire management, electronic waste, mercury product management, and non-hazardous waste transporter licensing. For hazardous household waste like paint, pesticides, and chemicals, collection events are held throughout the state during warmer months, and some transfer stations accept certain materials year-round.

Before visiting any Maine disposal facility, contact them directly or check with your town office for permit requirements, current fees, and accepted materials. The DEP maintains comprehensive information about licensed facilities and waste management regulations on their website. For questions about specific waste types, DEP staff can be reached for electronics recycling, closed municipal landfills, and building demolition debris including lead and asbestos.