This month, EPA New England awarded the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the Center for EcoTechnology (CET) Environmental Merit Awards. Since 1970, Environmental Merit Awards have recognized individuals and groups in New England for working to protect and improve New England’s environment. The MassDEP, along with corresponding agencies in Connecticut and Vermont, was recognized as national leaders in implementing state policies that encourage food recovery and waste management. MassDEP implemented the Commercial Organics Waste Ban in 2014, and developed the RecyclingWorks program. RecyclingWorks has become a model program for providing recycling assistance to businesses and institutions.

The Center for EcoTechnology received an award in the “Environmental, Community, Academia, & Nonprofit” category. Business West and The Berkshire Eagle reported on CET’s receipt of the award, which recognizes CET’s work in preventing food waste through administration of the MassDEP’s RecyclingWorks program.

The RecyclingWorks program has helped hundreds of Massachusetts businesses divert wasted food and comply with the state’s Commercial Organics Waste Ban. Since 2012, RecyclingWorks has helped divert over 20,300 tons of wasted organics.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program for businesses and institutions. If you need assistance with setting up a composting or recycling program, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.