Reuse & Repair
One of the most cost-effective ways to reduce waste is by promoting reuse and the right to repair.
Across Maine, a growing network of people and local communities are organizing efforts to promote reuse and repair. NRCM works in partnership with these groups to develop policies that update state law to make it easier to save money and reduce our environmental impact by implementing reuse and repair activities across Maine.
Reuse is one of the most effective, immediate strategies Maine can adopt to reduce waste, cut climate pollution, and save taxpayer and business costs. NRCM advocates prioritizing reuse above recycling by shifting systems away from disposable products and toward durable, reusable, and refillable solutions—supported by smart policy and infrastructure.
Why Reuse Matters
Maine’s waste challenges are driven largely by single‑use packaging and products. Encouraging reuse directly addresses the problem at its source and opens up opportunities to reduce costs and create new jobs:Transitioning to a clean transportation system is all about creating opportunity and increasing choices.
- Single‑use packaging consumes a significant share of global raw materials, including plastic, glass, and aluminum.
- Reuse reduces municipal disposal and cleanup costs and creates local jobs in washing, logistics, repair, and refill services.
- Reduce municipal disposal and cleanup costs, and create local jobs in washing, logistics, repair, and refill services.
NRCM’s Policy Approach to Reuse
NRCM approaches reuse as a systems solution, so that reuse becomes the default and disposable products the exception.
- Reusable foodware for on‑site dining, reducing waste from restaurants and cafes.
- “Skip the Stuff” policies that provide utensils and condiments only upon request.
- Bring‑Your‑Own (BYO) container protections that enable customers to use personal containers safely and legally.
- Refill‑friendly business models supported by local ordinances.
- Bans on products that are unnecessary, costly, and create litter that harms wildlife, waters, and our ocean, including single-use plastic bags, large balloon releases, and foam food containers.
These policies lower operational costs for municipalities, taxpayers, and businesses while reducing litter and disposal expenses.
Community‑Scale Reuse Solutions
Local communities and concerned residents are key drivers of reuse adoption, often coming up with creative reuse solutions that can be scaled up for greater impact:
- Schools: Transitioning cafeterias to reusable trays, cups, and utensils significantly reduces waste and costs over time.
- Libraries and community hubs: Libraries of Things, repair workshops, and tool‑lending programs expand access to reuse while strengthening community resilience.
- Local governments: Model ordinances and program templates lower the barrier to action for towns and cities.
- Restaurants: Researchers at the University of Maine have partnered with three coastal communities and the Reuse Maine Coalition to explore the potential of reusable takeout packaging to reduce waste and benefit local businesses and consumers.
Repair Cafes
Groups across Maine — in communities like Belfast, Norway, Harpswell, Portland, and South Portland—are organizing “repair cafes” where people can bring broken items to be fixed by volunteers. These events cut costs for Mainers and reduce waste. Connect with local organizers of an existing event to find out how to start one in your town.
Reuse and Extended Producer Responsibility
Reuse is a critical complement to Maine’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework:
- EPR shifts the cost of packaging waste from taxpayers to producers, creating incentives to design packaging that is reusable, not disposable.
- NRCM supports using EPR programs to promote packaging reduction and reuse targets, not recycling alone.
Reuse is a high‑impact, ready‑to‑deploy solution that helps Maine meet its environmental, fiscal, and climate goals simultaneously. NRCM urges policymakers and partners to prioritize reuse in law, funding, and procurement decisions, ensuring that systems—not just individuals—are designed to prevent waste before it exists.