The MetroWest Daily News published an article about the Food Donation Guidance recently posted to the RecyclingWorks website. RecyclingWorks is a program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to help business create or expand recycling, composting, and other waste diversion strategies. Since the MassDEP established the Commercial Organics Waste Ban in 2014,…
Bumper 2 Bumper Magazine is a free biweekly listing of used cars and other motorized vehicles distributed to over 500 locations throughout Western New England. This summer, Bumper 2 Bumper called the RecyclingWorks hotline when the company that had been recycling their surplus magazines into cellulose insulation moved. RecyclingWorks staff connected Bumper 2 Bumper Magazine…
A recent article on the Sustainable City Network website features three large institutions that have implemented food waste diversion programs. The article describes the logistics and challenges that each institution had to address to collect food waste on a large scale. One of the featured institutions is Boston University, which diverts food waste from both their…
The Food Waste Reduction Alliance (FWRA) has created a Best Practices & Emerging Solutions Guide. FWRA is an initiative of the Food Marketing Institute, the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and the National Restaurant Association. FWRA has three main goals: To reduce the amount of food waste generated To increase the amount of surplus food that is…
WCAI Local NPR for the Cape, the Coast, and the Islands, reported on RecyclingWorks efforts to reduce food waste in conjunction with the Massachusetts Commercial Organics Waste Ban. The story is based on an interview with RecyclingWorks staff, Lorenzo Macaluso. Macaluso describes how RecyclingWorks helps businesses divert excess food through source reduction, donation, composting, and…
November 19, 2015 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Lorenzo Macaluso, Director of RecyclingWorks in MA RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts Receives National Honor for Food Waste Diversion Efforts during U.S. EPA’s Food Recovery Month of Action Boston, MA. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has won the US EPA’s 2015 National Food Recovery Challenge Endorser Award for leading…
The EPA recently upgraded the Food Recovery Challenge (FRC) website. Any business or organization can join the FRC as a participant or endorser. Participants help prevent food waste by setting and tracking food waste reduction goals that follow the EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy. Endorsers help educate organizations and businesses about the environmental costs of food…
The Barnstable Patriot reported on a recent food waste workshop for Cape Code health officials, waste haulers, composters, businesses, and institutions. The session, led by RecyclingWorks staff Heather Billings, focused on strategies for navigating the Massachusetts Commercial Organics Waste Ban. The ban, which applies to businesses that generate one ton or more of food waste…
Wicked Local Framingham reported in September on Framingham State University’s food donation program. Meghan Skeehan, a graduate student in food and nutrition, founded a Food Recovery Network chapter at the school in 2013. The university has since donated about 2,500 pounds of food from the dining hall to local homeless shelters and food pantries. Most…
A recent article in MetroWest Daily News describes how the Massachusetts Commercial Organics Waste Ban has the potential to help address the problem of food insecurity in the state. The article is written by the CEO, David B. Waters, of Community Servings. Waters’ organization transforms what many consider “food waste” into meals for people homebound by…
LeanPath released a free e-guide that compiles both well-known and creative tips for cutting waste in foodservice operations. These include menu planning strategies that reuse leftovers, preparation techniques that reduce spoilage, and methods for appropriately sizing batches to service volume. The ideas in this guide can save commercial kitchens money while also protecting the environment.…
MassRecycle has partnered with MBTA, the Massachusetts Beverage Association, and Cassella Recycling to pilot a recycling collection program at Alewife Station. This pilot program is part of an effort to increase recycling in public spaces. This pilot program will be evaluated to help inform how to successfully expand recycling collection to other stations in the…
The Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) recently posted a guest blog about green electronics. This post was written by an E-waste processor, Electronics Recyclers International (ERI), that has a recycling facility in Holliston, MA. The dramatic worldwide increase in electronics has brought a lot of attention to discarded smart phones, laptops, and computers as an environmental issue. Unwanted…
A recent article in BioCycle outlines a report on options for commercial generators to manage organics on-site. This report was created by Tetra Tech Inc. as a guide to help businesses comply with Vancouver’s organics disposal ban which took effect July 1, 2015. The analysis covers everything from conventional storage through anaerobic digestion. The report…
This article from USA Today highlights the recent announcement of the USDA’s goal to reduce food waste 50% by 2030. The article includes perspective from EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and notes that the effort has the support of a range of grocers and food-service companies. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts assists businesses and institutions with recycling and food waste reduction…
This article from NPR describes how the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has set a target to reduce wasted food in the United States fifty percent by 2030. The article describes the negative impacts of wasted food, including increased food costs, wasted fuel, and increased methane gas emissions, while providing a menu of options for…
Next to paper, bottles and cans are the most commonly recycled materials in the United States. This category represents all glass, plastic and metal/aluminum containers. Recycling these items: Saves natural resources from being mined and harvested Reduces the pollution created when extracting, processing, and shipping the raw materials Can save your business money on disposal…
This summer, RecyclingWorks staff helped the Wilco Solid Sound Festival establish a compost and recycling collection program. Every two years the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) hosts this music and arts festival. The event draws over 8,000 visitors and has more than a dozen food and drink vendors. Over the course of this…
The MetroWest Daily News reports that Framingham State recently became Food Recovery Certified. This certification recognizes business that donate surplus food to non-profit food recovery organizations. Framingham State is the second entity in Massachusetts to attain this certification. Their surplus food is delivered to Pathways Family Shelter and Pearl Street Shelter. Food Recovery Certified businesses…
An article by Lauren Palumbo, Chief Operating Officer of the Boston-based food Rescue Organization Lovin’ Spoonfuls, describes how grocers can help solve the problem of food waste while benefiting their bottom line. Food rescue organizations help connect grocery stores, wholesalers, and farms with social service entities that serve those in need. By donating food, grocers…
In a recent survey by AASHE, nearly a third of Americans said they would be more likely to attend a game or concert at a stadium if they knew that all of the stadium waste would be recycled or composted. One in five of those surveyed also said they would be likely to buy more…
The Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic has posted three legal fact sheets for food donation in Massachusetts. The topics include: Date Labeling Tax Incentives Liability Protections As long as food is donated in good faith and date labeling rules are followed, there are ample liability protections for food donors. All businesses qualify for some…
An article in MassLive describes how the Boston Public Market, which opened this week, will donate surplus food and compost food scraps. The Boston Public Market is a year-round marketplace for local food with over 35 vendors. Two food rescue organizations, The Greater Boston Food Bank and Lovin’ Spoonfulls, will help distribute surplus food from…
An article in the Boston Globe last week featured three small green businesses in the Boston area. One of the businesses, CERO, is a cooperative organic waste-hauling service that started in conjunction with the Massachusetts commercial organics waste ban. CERO, which serves Dorchester, Roxbury and East Boston, was founded by five people from the community.…
A recent article in LeanPath explains the many hidden costs to foodservice operators of wasted food. In addition to the cost of the ingredients, there is also the energy and water to store and prepare the food, the labor to prepare it, the disposal costs to get rid of it, and the “cost” of lost…
The National Restaurant Association Show in May featured a number of products to help restaurants reduce food waste. These included everything from equipment to automatically capture grease from sinks and dishwashers to compostable birchwood utensils and wheat straw containers. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts assists businesses and institutions with recycling and food waste reduction through composting and food donation.…
A report by the Green Sports Alliance (GSA) and Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) features 20 professional sports venues across North America that are implementing more sustainable food service and disposal practices. Many of these venues have programs to donate or compost excess food. The report includes tips for starting composting programs at sports venues.…
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) recently announced $1.1 million in funding for three projects that will convert organic materials into energy. The awards will support the development of anaerobic digestion facilities in Bourne, Freetown and Hadley. Harvest Power, Bourne, MA: $400,000 to design and build an anaerobic digester for processing wastewater treatment sludge, food waste, fats,…
This Berkshire Eagle article tells the story of seven restaurants and one market in Lenox that have combined forces to compost their food scraps. Alta, Church Street Cafe, Frankie’s Ristorante Italiano, The Old Heritage Tavern, Table Six, Firefly, Spoon and Lenox Natural Foods have contracted with Empire Zero Waste to bring their uneaten and leftover…
A revised version of a guide to On-Site Systems for Managing Food Waste, compiled by RecyclingWorks, is now available on our website on the “Options for Complying with the Commercial Organics Waste Ban” page. This comprehensive, 88-page guide includes information about cost-effective ways to comply with the Massachusetts Commercial Organics Waste Ban on-site, such as…
The University of Oregon Campus Zero Waste Program put together this extensive Zero Waste Campus Toolkit to help colleges and universities create a Zero Waste Campus. This toolkit contains resources regarding the concept of Zero Waste, Zero Waste management practices and a sample Zero Waste campus pledge and model policy. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts has assisted…
The April 29, 2015 meeting summary, presentations, and handouts including March 2015 working draft fact sheets from Harvard Food Law and policy Clinic on food donation are now available on the MassDEP website here: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/news/advisory-committees/swac-organics-subcommittee-.html RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts assists businesses and institutions with recycling and food waste reduction through composting and food donation. To speak…
RecyclingWorks worked with CERO, an employee-owned organics hauler, to set up a successful composting program for America’s Food Basket, a supermarket chain in Boston. The supermarkets now divert 4.5 tons per week of source separated organics, totaling 234 tons annually. To learn more, read the case study here. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance…
The RecyclingWorks September Newsletter has been released; it includes a link to an article on Crosby’s marketplace, a supermarket that RecyclingWorks helped to set up a composting program. Click here to read a copy of the RecyclingWorks September Newsletter. Email info@recyclingworksma.com if you;d like to be added to the newsletter’s mailing list.
This article from Sustainable City Network details the efforts by several Massachusetts towns to begin curbside composting and pickup at residences. In each case, the success of the program has depended on cooperation between community groups, haulers as well as state and local government. Remember that the upcoming Commercial Organics Waste Ban applies only to large…
Northampton, MA, 11/20/13—Just a year after launching its food waste recycling program, Easthampton’s Big E’s Supermarket (www.bigessupermarket.com) has been recognized by the Springfield MRF Advisory Board as one of the region’s outstanding business recyclers of 2013. Big E’s store manager Michael Superson received the award at a ceremony in Holyoke on November 13, which is also…
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts is a recycling assistance program funded by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and delivered under contract by the Center for EcoTechnology that helps businesses and institutions reduce waste and maximize recycling, reuse, and food recovery opportunities. Waste reduction activities like recycling and composting can help decrease environmental impact, save money, improve…
The RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts program has posted recommended best management practices (BMPs) for source-separated food waste collection at businesses and institutions. These BMPs are intended to serve as a resource for local health officials, as well as provide guidance to businesses and institutions and their haulers. Check out the below web page for more information! …
What is Reuse? Reduce-Reuse-Recycle, is a slogan that has been around for years, but the “re-use” part is often overlooked. Reuse is different from recycling because materials and products are used “as is” without needing to be processed or re-manufactured. Reuse can involve repurposing items such as furniture, office equipment, and building materials to extend their…
Pallets are used by many businesses to hold boxes of products and can be easily handled by a forklift, pallet jack, front loader or other jacking device. Goods or shipping containers are often shipped on a pallet secured with strapping or stretch wrap. Pallets are made from wood, plastic, paper, or metal and come in a wide variety of sizes, and can be…
The upcoming Massachusetts commercial food waste ban is highlighted in this article from MassLive.com. The article highlights the efforts of the Big Y supermarket chain, which has received significant assistance from the RecyclingWorks program!
Have you ever wanted to start or develop a food donation program but were unsure how to begin? You’re not the only one. Many businesses and institutions across Massachusetts want to reduce wasted food and give back to their communities, but navigating the food donation landscape can feel overwhelming. Questions like What can we donate?…
The flowers are in full bloom, the sun is shining brightly, and Zero Waste Arlington is championing a variety of community events filled with summer fun and reuse activities Arlington Beer Garden For the second year in a row, Zero Waste Arlington is partnering with the Arlington Recreation Department and beer vendor Arlington Brewing Company…
When Boston University (BU) identified an opportunity to replace single-use takeout containers on campus in February 2023, it considered several solutions and then launched its innovative and practical reuse program. “Our goal was to change habits around reuse,” said Lexie Raczka, Sustainability Director for Boston University Dining Services. “We don’t have a default option. We…
Trying a new recipe that needs a pinch of something not on your spice shelf? Devouring your favorite local honey and noticing a pile of jars stacking up? Fulfilled Goods of Newton has you covered. Opened in 2022, Fulfilled Goods is a low-waste, package-free market and bulk refillery. It offers everything from dried goji berries…
Are you interested in reusables but don’t have commercial dishwashing capabilities, space, or time? Third-party warewashing may be the solution. Pegasystems (Pega) is a software company headquartered in Waltham, MA. One of the perks of working from their offices is the staff pantries offering coffee, tea, and other beverages for employees. Pega realized the pantry…
Headed to the Cape to put your feet in the sand and a cool drink in your hand? Haley O’Neil and Adam Gracia with CARE for the Cape and Islands and the Use Less Plastic Coalition are kicking off three initiatives to reduce single-use plastics during Plastic Free July. Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC) Initiative…
Understanding Reusables: A Comprehensive Overview and Key Resource The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) Solid Waste Master Plan outlines goals to reduce waste in MA 30% by 2030 and 90% by 2050. How do we get there? By everyone doing their part. The MassDEP Reduce and Reuse Working Group identified food establishment single-use waste…
With the help of RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts, Bridgewater State University is making huge strides for sustainability on campus.
The Wasted Food Estimation Guide is designed to help businesses assess their food waste.
Check out the following press release from the US EPA. Amongst the honorees is Clark University, which has received significant support from RecyclingWorks over the past year! News Release U.S. Environmental Protection Agency New England Regional Office April 1, 2013 Contact: David Deegan, (617) 918-1017 Seven New England Colleges and Universities Honored for Food Waste…
Steps for Establishing a Food Donation Process In order to have a successful food donation program, Recyclingworks recommends considering these steps: Building a donation program Food donation laws and liability protection tax incentives The Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic prepared Massachusetts fact sheet regarding tax incentives for food donation. Massachusetts does not have a…
If you are a business or institution interested in donating or distributing excess food, you can rest easy knowing that there are well-protected laws designed to protect you from liability when donating food.
Shakespeare & Company has made impressive strides in integrating sustainable practices into its operations. These ongoing efforts will contribute to the company’s sustainability goals and inspire others in the arts community to embrace eco-friendly practices.
Restaurants, colleges and universities, hotels, grocers, corporate and hospital cafeterias, caterers, and stadiums utilizing single-use takeout food containers and other disposables will likely find value in our new Reusable Containers BMP resource. The Implementation Guide will be your practical toolkit for getting started. What is the BMP? In November 2024, we published the Best Management…
RecyclingWorks partners with the Community Climate Fund (CCF) to support composting in Environmental Justice communities, helping businesses reduce carbon emissions. Since 2019, CCF has mitigated over 5,000 tons of CO2 through composting and weatherization projects
Marty’s Local in MA is committed to sustainability, reducing waste, supporting local agriculture, and partnering with RecyclingWorks to enhance waste diversion.
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) is a Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) program administered by CET. Recycling Works publishes an annual report that details the impacts of outreach, technical assistance (TA), hotline, presentations, resources, and more. Notable achievements from the recently published Fiscal Year 2024 annual report include: 1,781 tons of material diverted from disposal,…
RecyclingWorks hosted a Compost Site Operators Workshop in MA, teaching aerated static pile composting and offering technical assistance for compost facilities.
Located on Pine Street in the heart of Florence, Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity is a vibrant hub that enriches the community and carries on the building’s legacy of activism through their performance venue. Also known as the Florence Congregational Church, the historic building operates two houses of worship, a performance art space, a…
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is paving the way for a sustainable future with its ambitious Climate Action Plan for the Decade aiming to decarbonize campus operations by 2050. The heart of MIT’s sustainability mission lies in its quantitative impact goals that will touch every aspect of MIT life, from energy consumption to sustainable food…
A new video from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) addresses common misconceptions about food donation and highlights the expanded federal liability protections for businesses that donate food. Produced in partnership with Top Chef Tom Colicchio, the video illustrates how businesses can donate surplus food safely, preventing unnecessary waste. Common scenarios shown in the video…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently released new reports that quantify the environmental impacts of wasted food. In response to these findings, the EPA introduced the Wasted Food Scale (pictured below), an iteration of the EPA Food Recovery Hierarchy. The Wasted Food Scale is designed to empower individuals, businesses, institutions, and more with the…
A green demolition project at Simmons University in Boston recovered over a dozen tons (24,000 pounds) of material including furniture, fixtures, and glassware items. This massive reuse undertaking emerged from the remodeling of the University’s Park Science Center. The project entailed one year’s worth of planning and coordination among Simmons University staff, Elkus Manfredi Architects…
Replacing single-use foodservice container options with reusables can reduce both disposal costs and long-term purchasing needs for restaurants and other food service businesses. According to Clean Water Action, packaging waste makes up approximately 30% of waste disposed of in the US, and these products “consume a tremendous amount of resources — including oil, trees, energy,…
The “Williamstown Composts!” pilot program in Williamstown, launched for residents in 2018, has now expanded to include businesses. This local effort is supported in part by Community Climate Fund (CCF), which is administered by the Center for EcoTechnology (CET) and receives funding from Williams College. In the expanded pilot program, approved businesses receive funding to…
Recent years have taught us that medical personal protective equipment (PPE), or the masks, gowns, gloves, etc. that keep front line workers and patients safe, are indispensable. In March 2023, Alliance Health & Human Services (AHHS), which owns, operates, and manages several skilled nursing and rehabilitation facilities in Massachusetts, encountered a large amount of surplus…
Sanofi, a global pharmaceutical company with an administrative headquarters in Cambridge, is fixed on a zero-waste goal. By 2025, they aim to be 100% disposal-free. The path to zero waste is paved with choices. Where should recycling and food waste receptacles be located? Is reusable or recyclable serviceware the better option? Whose responsibility is it…
The Healey-Driscoll Administration recently awarded $950,000 in Recycling Business Development Grants (RBDG) to six recycling companies in the state. The RBDG program helps businesses tackle difficult-to-recycle materials, such as contaminated food materials, construction and demolition wood, and bulky rigid plastics. The funds will help these businesses expand their operations and capacity to process recyclable materials which supports…
On the surface a beloved diner and a commercial construction manager might not have much in common. But the reality is that every business can benefit from new or improved waste handling practices. RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) excited to present two recent case studies that showcase environmentally responsible and community supported waste management programs: Johnny’s…
RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks), in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), hosted the RecyclingWorks MA Fall 2022 Forum virtually on November 9, 2022. This year’s forum focused on updates and resources to help businesses and institutions understand and comply with changes to MassDEP waste disposal bans on commercial food waste, textiles, and…
The dining halls and eateries at colleges and universities are ripe with waste prevention opportunity. Transitioning away from single-use takeout containers is one way institutions can significantly reduce their waste and carbon footprints. This year, Mount Holyoke College swapped out its single-use food containers and cups for returnables. The college accomplished this by partnering with…
Northeast Paving, a contractor that produces asphalt, paves roads, and constructs roadways, is conscious about the way its offices separate recyclables and handle food waste. Intent on maximizing waste diversion, Northeast Paving reached out to the RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) hotline for assistance with recycling and food scraps collection at their Northfield office. RecyclingWorks staff…
Blue Q is a Pittsfield-based manufacturer of unique and practical products. They design items with quippy catchphrases and vibrant illustrations. Not only are the items durable, you can count on them to make you smile. The donation network in Massachusetts runs deep. Through a series of connections, Blue Q was able to donate thousands of…
Decreasing the volume of wasted food from foodservice operations reduces the overall cost of operations and increases efficiency. In 2018, RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) began conducting interviews with food waste prevention technology companies to quantify their collective impact in Massachusetts. RecyclingWorks follows up with these companies annually to request an update on customer base and…
Starting November 1, 2022, mattresses will be banned from disposal in Massachusetts. These bulky items, once taking up space in landfills and disrupting operations at municipal waste combustion facilities, will be redirected to recycling facilities and downstream markets for their metal, foam, fabric, and wooden components. Each of the elements that make up a mattress…
Behind the larger system that drives food waste away from trash disposal are the diligent food scrap separation efforts in kitchens, offices, dining halls, and manufacturing facilities. Business food waste programs require training, logistics, and planning to be successful. The program at Wheatleigh exemplifies that. With a focus on employee training and a dedication to…
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced 2020 and 2021 WasteWise and Food Recovery Challenge award winners, which included three Massachusetts organizations: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Lovin’ Spoonfuls Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School – Island Grown Schools Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) was recognized as a 2020 and 2021 National WasteWise…
In 2017, developer and property manager J. Rockwell Allen (Rocky) converted a long-vacant building on the former Northampton State Hospital site into The Columns at Rockwell Place (The Columns), a LEED-certified multifamily property comprising of 25 condominium units. The Columns offers residents electric car chargers, recycling, and food waste collection for composting at no cost.…
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has published the final 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan and announced the following amendments to the waste ban regulations, which will be effective on November 1, 2022: Mattresses will be banned from disposal. Textiles will be banned from disposal. The Commercial Organics Disposal Ban will apply to businesses…
Since 2014, when the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) enacted the Commercial Food Material Disposal Ban, businesses and institutions across the state have increasingly started diverting food waste. While food waste diversion leads to significant environmental benefits, it also has potential to provide cost savings for businesses, and opens up opportunities to address customer…
In April this year, Boston University announced its new Zero Waste Plan. Named “Reimagining Waste as a Resource,” the institution has big plans for shifting mentalities in the Boston University community around waste, and eliminating wasteful practices throughout material life cycles. The ambitious plan aims to reuse or recycle at least 90% of the institution’s…
The Newton-based electric bicycle (e-bike) business Watt Wagons is best known for setting a Guinness World Record in 2019 for their electric bike that rode 400 miles in 24 hours using less than one dollar of electricity. Watt Wagons assembles personalized e-bikes for sport and commuting, with a strong focus on environmental stewardship. The company…
Although not accepted in typical residential or commercial single stream recycling programs in Massachusetts, plastic beer can toppers are often labeled with a recycling symbol that can be misleading for beer drinkers in the state. While some companies collect and reuse these can toppers, the reuse and recycling infrastructure for this material is still nascent.…
Boat wrap addresses the need to protect valuable marine equipment through harsh winter weather, but what happens to this material after the spring unveiling? While boat shrink wrap cannot go in single stream recycling, options exist for marinas, boat yards, and yacht clubs to recycle this high-quality plastic material. Recycled wrap is typically made into…
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount Holyoke College effectively adjusted their operations and used data tracking tools to prevent food waste. Between August 2020 and January 2021, the institution cut the food waste generated on campus by 49% by weight. As described by Leanpath, the private liberal arts college in western Massachusetts adapted to a number…
According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, there are more than 400 supermarkets in Massachusetts that are likely subject to the Commercial Organics Waste Ban. There are plenty of cost-effective ways that supermarkets and other food businesses can comply with the ban by reducing or diverting food waste. In a recently published article, Waste…
Homeowners Rehab Incorporated (HRI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that produces and preserves affordable housing throughout Massachusetts. In 2017, HRI purchased Matheson Apartments in Downtown Worcester with plans to transform the 60,000 square foot 70-unit complex into efficient, accessible, and affordable housing. Prior to starting renovations, RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) and Linnean Solutions helped HRI…
Reducing waste at work offers many environmental, financial, and social benefits. Recognizing the opportunity for improvement is the first step in the process, but many may wonder, what comes next? RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) experts have compiled their top five tips to help businesses and institutions reduce waste, increase recycling, and implement new programs. Review…
Construction projects can create a significant amount of waste, filling up dumpsters and costing money in tipping fees. However, there are a number of outlets that exist for usable building materials extracted from a site before demolition begins. Common casualties of construction, such as usable furniture, fixtures like cabinets and toilets, lumber and windows and…
Starting next month, food and beverage manufacturers and processors have the opportunity to participate in a no-cost Lean manufacturing course. This course aims to help manufacturers reduce environmental impacts related to the use of energy, water, waste, and toxics through changes in processes, equipment, and behavior. Offered by the Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI), and…
Home City Development, Inc. (HCDI) is a non-profit affordable housing developer in the Springfield region. HCDI purchased the Elias Brookings School in 2018, which had been left vacant since the 2011 tornado that ravaged the city. Before beginning renovations on the vacant 50,000 square foot school building, HCDI saw an opportunity to donate and recycle…
With reduced demand in the service industry, some fresh food suppliers are experiencing high inventory levels. This is resulting in the delivery of products that have been in storage for longer than normal. As described by Leanpath, the delivery of products with a reduced shelf life can impact quality and pose challenges to businesses that…
MassRecycle recently recognized the Boston-based Blue Man Group as the Entertainment Recycler of the Year. Blue Man Group has recently revamped their disposal services to include an expanded selection of materials for recycling, including food waste generated during performance. With technical assistance from RecyclingWorks, Blue Man Group has met internal green initiatives for their organization…
Tatte Bakery & Café has partnered with the nonprofit food rescue organization Rescuing Leftover Cuisine to redirect edible surplus food for donation, according to WickedLocal. The employee-led program launched in June 2020, and currently takes place at ten of the chain’s eighteen locations. With pick-ups on Mondays and Thursdays, the business has recovered about 180…
Massachusetts businesses and institutions now have an additional outlet to handle their packaged and unpackaged wasted food. As recently reported by Biocycle, a new depackaging and processing Organics Recycling Facility (ORF) in Agawam is now fully operational. Owned and operated by Vanguard Renewables, the 13,000 square foot fully-enclosed facility is the newest addition to a…
Many in business are familiar with the phrase, “you can’t manage what you can’t measure.” After observing restaurants struggling to monitor their wasted food and reasons for product loss, Phood created a new tool to help businesses track and improve food inventory management. According to Green Biz, Phood has drawn on artificial intelligence technology to…
On November 10, RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts (RecyclingWorks) hosted the Fall 2020 WasteWise Forum Webinar in collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This year’s fall forum focused on strategies for businesses and institutions that help maximize food waste diversion, with presentations from the Massachusetts College of…
Resource Management Contracts: Description and Benefits Resource Management (RM) is a strategic approach to contracting waste services that aligns the financial incentives for the hauler with the goals of maximizing waste prevention and recycling. Unlike conventional waste service contracts, where a hauler’s compensation increases as waste volumes increase, this approach incentivizes the businesses and institutions…
