In a new video, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Commissioner Bonnie Heiple highlights composting as one of the simplest ways to reduce waste and help the environment.
Massachusetts banned commercial food waste disposal in 2014; since then, the amount of food waste diverted from landfills has nearly quadrupled. The state estimates that food scraps make up almost 22% of what is thrown away, and MassDEP has invested in efforts to divert food waste through financial support and technical assistance. For food that is still good to eat, the state has purchased refrigerated food trucks for those in need, and for food not healthy to eat, the state provides sustainable management solutions including support to the state’s rapidly growing compost economy.
Massachusetts encourages residents to identify nearby compost locations by visiting RecycleSmartMA.org. More information on MassDEP recycling and waste grants and loans is available here.
