The 2014 Commercial Organics Waste Ban in Massachusetts has led to a 70% increase in the number of businesses and institutions receiving food scraps collection from haulers, Waste Today reports. As of 2018, 45 facilities now accept food scraps in Massachusetts and more than 2300 commercial customers utilize these services. Other cities and states that have enacted food waste disposal regulations, including Vermont and Portland, Oregon, are experiencing similar activity. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) commercial organics disposal ban helps support these opportunities to reduce and recover wasted food across the US EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy.
The growth of organics hauler services is complimented by infrastructure expansion throughout the state. For instance, there are an increasing number of anaerobic digestion facilities in Massachusetts. Although more organic material is currently going for composting, AD facilities are estimated to provide nearly four times the current capacity of traditional composting operations in the state. The anaerobic digestion process breaks down organic material to produce renewable electricity and other beneficial byproducts.
In addition to collecting data on wasted food processing capacity, the MassDEP released a study in 2016 that showcases the economic benefits of the organics ban. These include 900 new jobs and $175 million in economy activity, with more growth projected for the future. Read our recent blog to learn more about the increasing number of commercial customers contracting for organics hauling services.
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts assists businesses and institutions with food waste diversion, recycling, and waste prevention. The Find-a-Recycler tool allows users to search for nearby organics haulers. RecyclingWorks also offers information about Massachusetts waste bans, including the organics waste disposal ban. To speak to a food waste diversion expert, call our hotline (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.