The new Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Reduce & Reuse (R&R) working group hosted a kickoff meeting on March 4, 2020. The group was established to assist in the development of a MassDEP Strategic Reduce and Reuse Action Plan, as outlined in the 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan. The working group is open to anyone interested in providing input on source reduction, reuse, and repair strategy in Massachusetts, and keeping informed of new policy and program developments.

During the first R&R meeting, the group discussed the state of source reduction and reuse regulation, policy, and programs in Massachusetts. They also identified strategies for addressing specific materials and methods of prioritizing efforts that will make the biggest impact. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) described several program resources that focus on waste reduction and reuse. For example, RecyclingWorks developed best management practices for source reduction of food waste at institutional foodservice operations, food donation, furniture and office equipment reuse, and construction and demolition materials management. Notes from the kickoff meeting are available on the MassDEP website.

The next MassDEP R&R working group meeting will be held as an online webinar on Wednesday April 1, 2020. Future topics include: Creating a Culture of Reduce & Reuse in MA, Household Durable Goods, Single Use Packaging, Furniture, Textiles, and Building Materials. If you have questions about the R&R working group, please contact Erin Victor at (617) 292-5624 or erin.victor@mass.gov.

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