Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical company with an administrative headquarters in Cambridge, is fixed on a zero-waste goal. By 2025, they aim to be 100% disposal-free. The path to zero waste is paved with choices. Where should recycling and food waste receptacles be located? Is reusable or recyclable serviceware the better option? Whose responsibility is it…
On the surface a beloved diner and a commercial construction manager might not have much in common. But the reality is that every business can benefit from new or improved waste handling practices. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) excited to present two recent case studies that showcase environmentally responsible and community supported waste management programs: Johnny’s…
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), hosted the RecyclingWorks MA Fall 2022 Forum virtually on November 9, 2022. This year’s forum focused on updates and resources to help businesses and institutions understand and comply with changes to MassDEP waste disposal bans on commercial food waste, textiles, and…
The dining halls and eateries at colleges and universities are ripe with waste prevention opportunity. Transitioning away from single-use takeout containers is one way institutions can significantly reduce their waste and carbon footprints. This year, Mount Holyoke College swapped out its single-use food containers and cups for returnables. The college accomplished this by partnering with…
Northeast Paving, a contractor that produces asphalt, paves roads, and constructs roadways, is conscious about the way its offices separate recyclables and handle food waste. Intent on maximizing waste diversion, Northeast Paving reached out to the RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) hotline for assistance with recycling and food scraps collection at their Northfield office. RecyclingWorks staff…
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) publishes an annual report that details the impacts of our outreach, technical assistance, hotline, presentations, resources, and more. We recently published the annual report for Fiscal Year 2022. Key successes included: Approximately 1,500 tons of material diverted from disposal, contributing to an overall cumulative program impact of nearly 250,000 tons of…
Construction projects can create a significant amount of waste, filling up dumpsters and costing money in tipping fees. However, there are a number of outlets that exist for usable building materials extracted from a site before demolition begins. Common casualties of construction, such as usable furniture, fixtures like cabinets and toilets, lumber and windows and…
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…
River Valley Co-op is a 17,000 square foot community-owned food cooperative in Northampton. In addition to traditional grocery items, the co-op has a prepared foods section, a self-service hot bar, and an extensive bulk section. Since their opening in 2008, River Valley Co-op has implemented a variety of waste diversion programs, including comprehensive recycling and…
The University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth) was recently awarded the College/University Partner of the Year for the 2018 national WasteWise awards. WasteWise is a free program – sponsored nationally by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in Massachusetts by the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) – designed to help private and public organizations work to reduce…
