MassDEP reviews midway progress on bulky‑item reuse, plans statewide network

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) held an online midpoint review of its Reduce and Reuse Action Plan focused on bulky items, describing current efforts, grant awards and next steps including a proposed “bulky items” network to start this summer or fall.

MassDEP presenters said the work is intended to increase reuse of household durable goods and commercial and institutional furniture, fixtures and equipment to reduce waste disposal, lower municipal costs and expand material access for nonprofits, schools and small businesses.

The plan matters because bulky materials account for a large share of recoverable material: MassDEP staff said more than 40% of waste generated in Massachusetts is exported out of state and cited a statewide figure of about 1,400,000 tons; a 2022 statewide bulky waste characterization study found as much as 30% of discarded bulky items were recoverable for reuse or recycling.

Leah Kelleher, a MassDEP staff member leading the presentation, summarized the agency’s role and the action‑plan strategies supporting bulky‑item reuse, saying, "we provide grants and financial incentives, we provide technical assistance, education and outreach, and then we help build networks." Janice (MassDEP) said MassDEP is treating residential and commercial bulky items together for now but asked meeting participants whether those streams should remain combined as the agency forms the new network.

MassDEP told attendees it…