Food waste makes up a large portion of the municipal waste stream. According to a 2014 waste characterization study conducted at Covanta SEMASS in Rochester, MA, over 20 percent of our trash is food waste. To encourage more diversion of food waste from landfills and incinerators, MassDEP recently implemented a Commercial Food Waste Ban, which prohibits disposal of commercial organic wastes by businesses and institutions that dispose of one ton or more of these materials per week. Although this ban does not apply to residential waste, there are significant costs savings and environmental benefits to diverting organic material to the waste stream.  

 

This workshop will include:

• Updates from composting facilities on the Cape that are currently managing food waste.
• An update on plans for the construction of an anaerobic digester in Bourne.
• A presentation from MA Recycling Works on their work with businesses and health departments around the state.
• An update on pilot food waste collection programs on Cape Cod and around the state.
• Grant opportunities available to municipalities interesting in collecting food waste from residents at their transfer station or curbside.

 Speakers:

• David Pierotti, Harvest Power, Waltham, MA
• Mary Ryther, Compost With Me, Falmouth, MA
• A representative from MA Recycling Works
• Dave Quinn, MassDEP/Barnstable County

RSVP to dquinn@barnstablecounty.org .