Code of Maine Rules
06 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
096 - DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION - GENERAL
Chapter 426 - RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER THE RETURNABLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER LAW
Section 096-426-9 - Operation of Redemption Centers

Universal Citation: 06 ME Code Rules ยง 096-426-9

Current through 2024-38, September 18, 2024

A. The Redemption Center shall store all empty beverage containers separated from food Products sold on the premises by a solid partition.

B. The Redemption Center operator shall operate the Redemption Center in such a manner as not to cause a nuisance to the surrounding area, and shall:

(1) Take all necessary precautions to eliminate and protect against insect and rodent infestation inside and surrounding the premises.

(2) Store unsorted and sorted beverage containers separated from all food Products by a solid partition and in a building constructed properly to protect beverage containers from adverse environmental conditions (i.e. rain, snow, mud, etc.).

(3) Provide sanitary facilities to ensure adequate personal hygiene for employees and which comply with United States Department of Labor standards in 29 C.F.R. § 1910.141 as amended up to July 1, 2016. Sanitary facilities include toilet, hand wash sink, approved septic system, and hot and cold potable water under pressure. A Redemption Center is exempt from this requirement if the Redemption Center is operated by the owner and immediate family members only and has no other employees.

(4) Hold a valid retail food establishment license issued by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Division of Quality Assurance and Regulations if foods or Beverages are sold, and meet all applicable sanitation requirements.

(5) Maintain general surroundings free of litter, debris, and unused equipment.

(6) Employ routine housekeeping practices to maintain an environment that is clean and orderly to discourage, identify, and eliminate rodents, insects and birds.

(7) Prominently display a list of all Products discontinued within the past 120 days and the dates when they will no longer be accepted.

(8) Sort beverage containers by like product group, material and Size, and consistent with Commingling Agreements in Shells or boxes as provided by the Manufacturer, Distributor, or pick-up agent.

(9) Notify the Department of additional members obtained after the issuance of the center's license.

(10) Post a "warning" sign in accordance with Section 18 of this chapter.

C. Redemption centers shall be open for business (i.e., acceptance of empty beverage containers) a reasonable number of hours, given the volume of returns and area population considered. Redemption centers shall post their hours of operation in a conspicuous place.

D. The location of proposed and existing Redemption Centers must be convenient to Member Dealers and their customers to be served.

E. Redemption centers may charge a fee to Member Dealers.

F. A Redemption Center may pick up beverage containers from non-members.

G. A Redemption Center shall tender beverage containers to a Distributor or third party Contracted Agent by making reasonable accommodations that allow for the Distributor or third party Contracted Agent to have ease of access to those beverage containers being tendered or, in the event that storage is not convenient to the loading area, by assisting in the loading of the transportation vehicle by moving the properly sorted bags or boxes of containers to a predetermined loading area during pickup of said containers.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Maine may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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