Berkshire Waste Reduction Businesses Awarded Grants

10:50AM / Tuesday, November 26, 2024Print Story | Email Story

ADAMS, Mass. — Second Chance Composting, Dream Green Recycling of the Berkshires, and Tommy's Compost Service were awarded Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection's (MassDEP) Recycling and Reuse Business Development Grants (RBDG).

Second Chance Composting of Cheshire was awarded up to $100,000.

Dream Green Recycling of the Berkshires in Adams was awarded up to $150,000.

Tommy's Compost Service in Cheshire was awarded up to $50,000.

"Massachusetts is taking action on waste reduction with smart solutions," said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. "We are investing in reuse, recycling, and composting. This cuts waste and sets the stage for responsible resource management."

MassDEP's RBDG Program includes collection and processing grants designed to invest in businesses that maximize the recovery of valuable materials and resources. The program will provide $565,000 to 10 businesses to improve their recycling collection for materials prohibited from disposal, including mattresses, textiles and commercial food waste. Over $1.2 million will go to support 11 businesses in stating or expanding reuse, recycling, or composting operations.

The RBDG Program requires companies that receive grants to create measurable economic benefits for Massachusetts. They must also use the grant-funded equipment only for collecting or processing specific materials in the state for at least three years. RBDG collection grants are available for projects that collect certain materials, including surplus food for donation, food waste for animal feed, composting, or anaerobic digestion, as well as mattresses and textiles. The processing grants support projects that reuse or process certain materials, such as container glass, bulky reusable items, construction and demolition materials, textiles, food, and mattresses.

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Letter: Supporting Organizations That Keep Our Communities Strong

Letter to the Editor06:05PM / Monday, October 26, 2026

To the Editor:

Berkshire County is home to many cultural gems, and the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum (BSRM) is certainly one of them. Its Hoosac Valley Train Ride has become a cherished holiday tradition for families from near and far, offering a unique opportunity to experience our region's history, beauty, and sense of community.

It was heartbreaking to learn of the fire and the damage it caused. At the same time, it has been encouraging to see the determination of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum's team as they assess the damage, work toward repairs, and do everything possible to get the trains back in service and honor scheduled rides. Their commitment to rebuilding and moving forward is a testament to the passion and perseverance that keep BSRM alive.

The impact of the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum extends well beyond the tracks. Here in Adams, the organization is an important part of our local economy. With approximately 10,000 riders annually, the Hoosac Valley Train Ride brings thousands of visitors to our community. Many of those visitors also spend time exploring our cultural attractions, dining at local restaurants, shopping at our businesses, and filling their gas tanks before heading home. That ripple effect matters, particularly to a small community like Adams.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Adams Fire Department for its work to fight the fire. We are fortunate to have dedicated firefighters who respond when our community needs them most. Their service is a powerful reminder of the importance of the people who give their time, energy, and expertise to protect our neighbors, our history, and our community.

Volunteer organizations are often the backbone of our towns. Whether they are responding to emergencies, preserving our history, or creating meaningful experiences for families, these organizations bring people together and help make the Berkshires a place we are proud to call home. They deserve our recognition, our gratitude, and our support — not just in times of crisis, but throughout the year. I am grateful to the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum for its determination and commitment to rebuilding, and to the Adams Fire Department for its service to our community.

I hope we will all do what we can to help the railway recover and continue sharing this special piece of Berkshire County history with future generations.

Christine Hoyt
Adams, Mass.

View Full Story