BOSTON — To celebrate Earth Week 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that $1.1 million in grants have been awarded to 19 Massachusetts organizations as part of the Commonwealth's Recycling and Reuse Business Development Grant (RBDG) program.

 

"Our waste reduction work is another great example of how investments in environmental protection directly contribute to the economic development of our state," said Governor Maura Healey. "As we work to reduce waste from mattresses, textiles, and food, Massachusetts' entrepreneurs are stepping up with innovative businesses to power this shift. Our administration is proud to support these efforts."

 

Second Chance Composting of Adams received $50,000 to purchase a new pick-up truck for food waste collection.

 

Tommy's Compost Service of Hinsdale received $55,000 that will be used to purchase a new pick-up truck for food waste collection.

 

"These grants will make sure that the hard work being done by our cities and towns to build recycling programs is met by an industry ready to process it and keep it out of our waste stream," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "These grants will also help provide equipment for collection of recently banned materials like mattresses, making it more convenient for residents to recycle instead of throw out their old mattresses."

 

In November of 2022, MassDEP finalized new waste disposal regulations which ban the disposal of mattresses and textiles and lower the threshold for the state's existing commercial food waste disposal ban from 1 ton to a half-ton per week. These materials are heavy and bulky and compose a large portion of our overall waste. Rather than taking up space in a landfill, our food waste can be turned into compost, mattress components can be separated and turned into new products, and textiles can be made into recycled clothing, bedding, or towels.

 

The grant program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), will expand the collection infrastructure for these materials, helping to ensure more convenient and cost-effective collection options for both residents and businesses. This grant round targets investment in trucks, roll-off containers, and bins for food materials, mattresses, and textiles. This will continue to help cities and towns as they establish or expand their recycling programs for these items.

 

"We have very limited space for trash left in the state, so our administration is working collaboratively with communities and businesses to promote recycling," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "Increasing our reuse and recycling of materials saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviates pressure on our limited disposal capacity. These grants will help us to advance our progress in these areas while also fostering business growth and job growth in Massachusetts."