RecyclingWorks is working with the Community Climate Fund on a Compost Pilot Program in Environmental Justice (EJ) communities.  

In partnership with RecyclingWorks in MA, (funded by MassDEP and administered by CET), the Community Climate Fund (CCF) is investing in local business’ composting infrastructure to divert wasted food from disposal. Funded by Williams College and administered by CET, CCF unlocks impactful carbon mitigation opportunities by providing fund towards commercial and residential weatherization roadblock removal, commercial composting incentives, on-farm energy projects, and building material recovery. From 2019, CCF has contributed to the elimination of over 5,000 tons CO2 over the course of 17 projects.   

CCF’s commercial compost incentives cover the cost of compost pick-up for 6 months for qualifying businesses. The implementation of organics diversion programs significantly reduces carbon and helps businesses realize the opportunity to reinvest savings from reduced trash hauler costs into composting services. In collaboration with RecyclingWorks, CCF supported CET’s Compost Pilot Program. Five businesses in environmental justice communities were identified through RecyclingWorks waste reduction assessments to apply for the compost incentive, receiving six months of hauling services from Second Chance Composting. RecyclingWorks provided on-site technical assistance which included customized bin signage, staff training guidance, and best practices to help the businesses roll out successful composting programs. RecyclingWorks will provide ongoing support after the pilot program to ensure continued success. Participating businesses include Adams Pizza House, Door Prize Catering, M&J’s Taste of Home, Tres Ninos and Grazie.  

CCF funds also supported Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity, a non-profit organization located in Florence, MA. In June 2024, Bombyx held its inaugural Weird Recycling Event, a community event collecting hard to recycle items including textiles, electronics, lamps, and CFL bulbs. The CCF contributed $2,000.00 towards the total hauling and processing costs. These funding sources collectively enabled the successful completion of the project, resulting in an estimated savings of 5.11 tons CO2 over the course of the project.  

The table below demonstrates the lifetime CO2 savings and grants awarded for the five businesses in this pilot program. 

By partnering with RecyclingWorks and being committed to sustainable practices, Adam’s Pizza House, Door Prize Catering, M&J’s Taste of Home, Tres Ninos, Grazie and Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity are leading the way in demonstrating sustainable practices in Massachusetts. 

If your business or institution is interested in waste reduction support, contact RecyclingWorks at 888-254-5525 or Info@RecyclingWorksMA.com.