Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization (MASCO) reports on the impacts of the Massachusetts Commercial Organics Waste Ban on their members.

MASCO, a nonprofit organization for Boston’s Longwood Medical and Academic area (LMA), strives to benefit those who live, work, study or receive care in the area. MASCO members have increased their food waste diversion efforts as a result of the Massachusetts Commercial Organics Waste Ban. This ban, which applies to businesses and institutions disposing one ton or more of food waste per week, bans disposal of that wasted food in the trash. Alternatives to disposal include source reduction, donation, animal feed, composting, and anaerobic digestion.

MASCO members have almost doubled their composting efforts since the start of the ban. It is estimated that in the first year of the organics ban, MASCO members have diverted 558 tons of food from disposal.

One MASCO member, Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt), received technical assistance from RecyclingWorks to help expand food waste diversion in their cafeteria. RecyclingWorks created written a video case study about MassArt’s program. MassArt’s front of house collection of compostable and recyclable materials includes color-coded signage and shadow boxes above the collection bins that indicate where to place different items. This program helps MassArt divert approximately 80 tons of compostable materials annually.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program for businesses and institutions. If you need assistance with setting up a composting or recycling program, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.