Renewable Energy from Waste reports on Stop & Shop Supermarket’s Green Energy Facility in Freetown, Massachusetts, which opened April 15. The Green Energy Facility will accept wasted food from the 212 New England Stop & Shop stores and convert this food into energy.

The Green Energy Facility estimates that 34,000 tons of inedible food can be processed in a year. This inedible food will in turn provide 40 percent of the Freetown distribution center’s energy needs. The Green Energy Facility is expected to generate about 1.25 megawatts of electricity.

Stop & Shop is diverting 88% of their waste and surplus materials from landfills through donation, recycling, composting, and the anaerobic digestion. These initiatives help the stores comply with the Massachusetts Commercial Organics Waste Ban, which bans businesses and institutions from disposing of one ton or more of food waste per week. RecyclingWorks helps facilities comply with this ban through technical assistance and information on the RecyclingWoks , such as Food Donation Guidance for Massachusetts Businesses.

The Green Energy Facility, which will be operated by Divert Inc., a Massachusetts-based technology company, was funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center. Mark McGowan, president of the Stop & Shop New England Division, recognizes the importance of improving the chain’s environmental footprint and transforming inedible food into clean energy.

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