The Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) recently posted a guest blog about green electronics. This post was written by an E-waste processor, Electronics Recyclers International (ERI), that has a recycling facility in Holliston, MA. The dramatic worldwide increase in electronics has brought a lot of attention to discarded smart phones, laptops, and computers as an environmental issue. Unwanted…
A recent article in BioCycle outlines a report on options for commercial generators to manage organics on-site. This report was created by Tetra Tech Inc. as a guide to help businesses comply with Vancouver’s organics disposal ban which took effect July 1, 2015. The analysis covers everything from conventional storage through anaerobic digestion. The report…
This article from USA Today highlights the recent announcement of the USDA’s goal to reduce food waste 50% by 2030. The article includes perspective from EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and notes that the effort has the support of a range of grocers and food-service companies. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts assists businesses and institutions with recycling and food waste reduction…
This article from NPR describes how the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set a target to reduce wasted food in the United States fifty percent by 2030. The article describes the negative impacts of wasted food, including increased food costs, wasted fuel, and increased methane gas emissions, while providing a menu of options for…
Supermarkets that bale rigid plastics – such as deli containers, floral buckets, and pharmacy bottles – can generate significant revenue. The Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) recently created a training video to help grocery stores start baling rigid plastic containers. The APR case study of several methods of disposing of rigid plastics found that…
This summer, RecyclingWorks staff helped the Wilco Solid Sound Festival establish a compost and recycling collection program. Every two years the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) hosts this music and arts festival. The event draws over 8,000 visitors and has more than a dozen food and drink vendors. Over the course of this…
The MetroWest Daily News reports that Framingham State recently became Food Recovery Certified. This certification recognizes business that donate surplus food to non-profit food recovery organizations. Framingham State is the second entity in Massachusetts to attain this certification. Their surplus food is delivered to Pathways Family Shelter and Pearl Street Shelter. Food Recovery Certified businesses…
An article by Lauren Palumbo, Chief Operating Officer of the Boston-based food Rescue Organization Lovin’ Spoonfuls, describes how grocers can help solve the problem of food waste while benefiting their bottom line. Food rescue organizations help connect grocery stores, wholesalers, and farms with social service entities that serve those in need. By donating food, grocers…
In a recent survey by AASHE, nearly a third of Americans said they would be more likely to attend a game or concert at a stadium if they knew that all of the stadium waste would be recycled or composted. One in five of those surveyed also said they would be likely to buy more…
Students at Emerson College created a short documentary that follows Food For Free, a food rescue organization based in Cambridge, as they capture donated food and distribute it to those in need. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts assists businesses and institutions with recycling and food waste reduction through composting and food donation. To speak to a recycling…
