RecyclingWorks is developing best management practices for building professionals to increase recycling and reuse of construction and demolition (C&D) materials. RecyclingWorks is coordinating a series of stakeholder meetings that will inform the development of this guidance. Through these meetings, RecyclingWorks is learning about reuse and recycling of these materials from the experience of contractors, architects,…
RecyclingWorks is developing best management practices on contracting for hauling services for trash, recycling, and organics for businesses and institutions. RecyclingWorks is coordinating a stakeholder engagement process that will inform the development of this guidance. This approach is similar to the creation of the 2015 Food Donation Guidance Document. RecyclingWorks is hosting three stakeholder meetings…
RecyclingWorks presented on Food Donation Guidance for Massachusetts businesses at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Northeast Region Annual Food Protection Seminar. The seminar was held on August 12 at Hotel Northampton and hosted by the MA Department of Public Health (MA DPH). This presentation continued to engage public health officials in this initiative to…
Spoiler Alert created a “Beginner’s Guide to Food Waste,” which introduces the significance and ramifications of wasted food, government calls to action, awareness campaigns, and resources for reducing wasted food. The guide includes ReFED’s Roadmap, Natural Resource Defense Council’s Save the Food Campaign, and toolkits, such as the Food Waste Reduction Alliance’s Best Practices & Emerging…
The National Restaurant Association (NRA) recommends four tips for reducing wasted food at restaurants. These four tips were discussed at the “Reduce and Recover: Save Food for People” workshop hosted by Harvard Law School’s Food Law and Policy Clinic. This workshop was sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and…
The Sustainable Campus Competition is now accepting submissions! Kimberly-Clark Professional offers this competition to implement new green initiatives or expand current sustainability programs on campus. Round 1 submissions are due by 11:59 PM ET, August 19th. Round 1 includes a 500 word summary that describes a campus sustainability program focused in the areas of energy…
MV Times has recognized Martha’s Vineyard for their efforts to reduce wasted food. The Island Wide Organics Feasibility Study, funded by the Martha’s Vineyard Vision Fellowship (MVVF), investigated the amount of wasted food on the island and strategies to minimize that waste. RecyclingWorks provided input for the study and assisted with the implementation of the pilot…
BusinessWest highlighted the 40 anniversary of the Center for EcoTechnology (CET). CET is the nonprofit organization that administers the RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts, a program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. RecyclingWorks has helped hundreds of businesses and institutions, such as restaurants, food manufacturers, state facilities, and colleges and universities, to reduce waste. CET…
A recent article in The Huffington Post recognizes four states, including Massachusetts, for innovative approaches to reduce wasted food. The article also highlights initiatives in Vermont, Ohio, and California. In 2014, Massachusetts passed the Commercial Organics Waste Ban, which prohibits businesses and institutions that generate one ton or more of food waste per week from…
Food pantries are regular recipients of donated surplus food from business and institutions. RecyclingWorks Food Donation Guidance provides information to help food service entities connect with food rescue organizations to donate surplus food to those who need it. Like other food service entities, food pantries generate food scraps that cannot be eaten. Recently, RecyclingWorks assisted…
