The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) recently released proposed amendments to the solid waste disposal bans (310 CMR 19.000). These changes would add mattresses and textiles as materials that are banned from disposal in Massachusetts, and lower the threshold for the commercial organics ban so that it would apply to businesses generating one-half ton…
During a time when the foodservice industry is experiencing thinner margins and altered operations, reducing food waste can support businesses as they adjust. According to a The Business Case for Reducing Food Loss and Waste: Restaurants, each dollar invested in solutions for kitchen food waste can result in an average of a seven dollar return…
During the pandemic takeout meals have become the norm, enabling restaurants across Massachusetts to continue serving customers when in-person dining is limited. For consumers, this convenience comes with a trade-off: an abundance of packaging and single-use items that often cannot be recycled. For the food service industry, this means spending money to purchase items that…
Resinate is a vertically integrated cannabis cultivator, based in Worcester, that operates dispensaries throughout western and central Massachusetts. Recently, the company contacted RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) for support with recycling at their 50,000 square foot facility in Douglas. Since an initial site visit with RecyclingWorks staff, Resinate has established a comprehensive recycling program that can…
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), in collaboration with the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF), recently launched the MassGrown Exchange, a new online platform that facilitates business-to-business connections within the local food system. This platform is a tool for businesses looking to sell, donate, or purchase Massachusetts crops, seafood, products and services: Buyers (including…
Has your business ever lost food inventory as result of an emergency or other unplanned event? Once an emergency happens, it is likely too late to create a plan that prevents wasted food from being disposed of as trash. With a plan in place in advance, you can reduce the amount of food that is…
Wellspring Harvest is a 15,000 square foot hydroponic greenhouse in Springfield, developed by the Wellspring Cooperative Corporation. The greenhouse produces over 200,000 plants per year (including lettuce, greens, and herbs), which are distributed to local grocery stores, healthcare centers, and colleges & universities. Wellspring connected with RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) for assistance initiating an organic…
Designers Choice is an importer and distributor of fresh cut flowers, with a 55,000 square foot facility located in Boston. The business receives shipments of flowers from South and Central America, assembles the flowers into bouquets and other arrangements, and ships these products to partners around the country. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) began working with…
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Recycle Smart MA initiative is celebrating its second birthday this month, as highlighted by Waste360. Since 2018, this initiative has been increasing awareness around recycling in Massachusetts and empowering Bay Staters to collect the proper materials for recycling at home, school, and work, without introducing contamination from problem…
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Recycling Business Development Grant (RBDG) program is currently accepting applications for the 2020 cycle. The program provides grant awards between $50,000 and $400,000 to recycling processors and manufacturers for projects that foster stronger local recycling markets and add value to municipal and business recycling efforts. This year, the…
