Maine environmental regulators are postponing the start date for bans on single-use plastic carry-out bags and on polystyrene containers.
The Department of Environmental Protection says the COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for groceries by curbside pickup and for takeout food. That’s in turn increased demand for paper bags, multi-use plastic bags, and nonpolystyrene food packaging, which are alternatives for the containers scheduled to be banned.
The department announced on Tuesday, that bans slated to go into effect Jan. 15 will be postponed until July 1.