In Fall 2019, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) released the Draft 2020-2030 Solid Waste Master Plan for public comment. The plan proposes aggressive goals for waste reduction, building on the 18 percent reduction in disposal per capita achieved from 2008 to 2018. This includes targeted reuse and recycling efforts for textiles, mattresses, and other bulky waste items, increased requirements of the commercial organics food waste ban, enhanced compliance of existing waste bans, and more. Click here to view a presentation summarizing the Draft 2020-2030 Solid Waste Master Plan.

In response to comments received last fall and other developments since then, MassDEP has decided to reopen the public comment period for the plan. This period will focus on topics including environmental justice, climate change, and the impacts of COVID-19 on waste management throughout the state.

MassDEP scheduled a series of public hearings and will accept comments on the draft plan through Tuesday, September 15, 2020. Registration for each meeting is available by clicking on the Zoom link.

• Wednesday, July 22, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Zoom
• Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Zoom
• Tuesday, September 1, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Zoom
• Thursday, September 10, 2020 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Zoom

Written comments can be submitted via email to dep.swmp@mass.gov or by mail to: John Fischer, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, 1 Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108.

RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts helps businesses and institutions maximize recycling, reuse, and food waste diversion opportunities to support the MassDEP waste reduction goals. To learn more about our resources and no-cost assistance, call our hotline: (888) 254-5525 or email us at info@recyclingworksma.com.