Maine § 419. - Cleaning agents and lawn and turf fertilizer containing phosphate banned
Full text of Maine Maine Revised Statutes § 419. — Cleaning agents and lawn and turf fertilizer containing phosphate banned, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 419.. Cleaning agents and lawn and turf fertilizer containing phosphate banned
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Dairy equipment" means equipment used by farmers or processors for the manufacture or processing of milk and dairy products. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (AMD).]
A-1. "Compost" means a biologically stable material derived from the composting process. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (NEW).]
A-2. "Composting" means the biological decomposition of organic matter. It is accomplished by mixing and piling organic matter in such a way as to promote aerobic decay, anaerobic decay or both. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (NEW).]
A-3. "Fertilizer" means a substance containing one or more recognized plant nutrients that is used for its plant nutrient content and designed for use or claimed to have value in promoting plant growth. "Fertilizer" does not include animal and vegetable manures that are not manipulated, marl, lime, limestone or topsoil. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (NEW).]
A-4. "Fertilizer containing phosphorus" means a fertilizer containing more than 0.67% phosphate by weight. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (NEW).]
B. "Food processing equipment" means equipment used for the processing and packaging of food for sale, except that equipment used at restaurants and similar places of business is not included within the meaning of "food processing equipment." [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (AMD).]
C. "High phosphorous detergent" means any detergent, presoak, soap, enzyme or other cleaning agent containing more than 8.7% phosphorous, by weight, but does not include detergent having a recommended use level that contains less than 7 grams of phosphorous by weight. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (AMD).]
C-1. "Household laundry detergent" means a cleaning agent used primarily in private residences for washing clothes. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (AMD).]
D. "Industrial equipment" means equipment used by industrial concerns that are located on any brook, stream or river. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (AMD).]
D-1. "Manipulated" means a process by which fertilizers are manufactured, blended or mixed or animal or vegetable manures are treated in any manner, including mechanical drying, grinding, pelleting and other means, or by adding other chemicals or substances. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (NEW).]
E. "Person" means any individual, firm, association, partnership, corporation, municipality, quasi-municipal organization, agency of the State or other legal entity. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (AMD).]
2. Prohibition. A person may not:
A. Sell or use a high phosphorus detergent; or [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (NEW).]
B. Sell fertilizer containing phosphorus at a retail store after January 1, 2008 unless the seller posts a department-approved sign that indicates that the product is not appropriate for use on nonagricultural lawns or turf due to potential adverse effects on water quality, except when:
(2) The fertilizer will be used in establishing a new lawn or turf, including establishing turf at a sod farm, or for reseeding or overseeding an existing lawn or turf.
The sign required by this paragraph must be positioned between 4 and 7 feet above the floor and prominently posted where fertilizers containing phosphorus for use on lawns or turf are displayed. For purposes of this paragraph, "retail store" means a commercial establishment that sells fertilizer on the store premises for use off the premises. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (NEW).]
2-A. Household laundry detergent. After July 1, 1993, a person may not sell or offer for sale in this State a household laundry detergent that contains more than 0.5% phosphorus by weight expressed as elemental phosphorus.
3. Exception. Subsection 2 does not apply to:
A. A high phosphorous detergent sold and used for the purpose of cleaning dairy equipment, food processing equipment and industrial equipment; [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (NEW).]
B. Fertilizers used for agricultural crops or for flower or vegetable gardening; or [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (NEW).]
C. Compost. [PL 2007, c. 65, §1 (NEW).]
4. Penalty.
Source: official Maine text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine § 419.
What does Maine Revised Statutes § 419. cover?
Section 419. ("Cleaning agents and lawn and turf fertilizer containing phosphate banned") is part of the Maine Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Maine. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Maine § 419.?
A common citation format is "Maine Revised Statutes § 419." (Maine). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Maine law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maine official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maine attorney.
How does Maine § 419. apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maine can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maine.