A recent article in The Huffington Post recognizes four states, including Massachusetts, for innovative approaches to reduce wasted food. The article also highlights initiatives in Vermont, Ohio, and California.

In 2014, Massachusetts passed the Commercial Organics Waste Ban, which prohibits businesses and institutions that generate one ton or more of food waste per week from disposing that waste in the trash. Massachusetts also funds the RecyclingWorks program to help businesses and institutions comply with waste bans. RecyclingWorks offers an online database, a hotline, and on-site assistance to maximize recycling, reuse, and composting opportunities at businesses and institutions.

RecyclingWorks created Food Donation Guidance for Massachusetts businesses and partnered with the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic to create fact sheets on date labeling, liability protections, and tax incentives for food donation.
The Huffington Post article highlights RecyclingWorks’ assistance to the Town of Lenox that helped eight restaurants start composting. Although the restaurants are not subject to the ban, collectively they produce over one ton of wasted food per week.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts assists businesses and institutions with recycling and food waste reduction through composting and food donation. To speak to a recycling expert, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.