Although not accepted in typical residential or commercial single stream recycling programs in Massachusetts, plastic beer can toppers are often labeled with a recycling symbol that can be misleading for beer drinkers in the state. While some companies collect and reuse these can toppers, the reuse and recycling infrastructure for this material is still nascent.…
Boat wrap addresses the need to protect valuable marine equipment through harsh winter weather, but what happens to this material after the spring unveiling? While boat shrink wrap cannot go in single stream recycling, options exist for marinas, boat yards, and yacht clubs to recycle this high-quality plastic material. Recycled wrap is typically made into…
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount Holyoke College effectively adjusted their operations and used data tracking tools to prevent food waste. Between August 2020 and January 2021, the institution cut the food waste generated on campus by 49% by weight. As described by Leanpath, the private liberal arts college in western Massachusetts adapted to a number…
According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, there are more than 400 supermarkets in Massachusetts that are likely subject to the Commercial Organics Waste Ban. There are plenty of cost-effective ways that supermarkets and other food businesses can comply with the ban by reducing or diverting food waste. In a recently published article, Waste…
Homeowners Rehab Incorporated (HRI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that produces and preserves affordable housing throughout Massachusetts. In 2017, HRI purchased Matheson Apartments in Downtown Worcester with plans to transform the 60,000 square foot 70-unit complex into efficient, accessible, and affordable housing. Prior to starting renovations, RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) and Linnean Solutions helped HRI…
Restaurateurs and business owners are faced with numerous demands on a regular basis – from pleasing customers, to operational logistics, to balancing books, to adapting to changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. MetroWest Daily News recently highlighted another factor businesses must consider: establishing and maintaining successful recycling and composting programs. Cardboard, bottles and cans,…
As described by Forbes, Massachusetts-based Ocean Spray is one of the latest brands partnering with TerraCycle to reduce the disposal of single-use materials. Through this partnership, consumers can collect the empty flexible plastic packaging used for Ocean Spray snack products and send these items to TerraCycle for recycling using a pre-paid shipping label. Looking beyond…
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…
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…
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…
