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MassDEP highlights reusable foodware progress: BMPs, grants and procurement steps
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Summary
MassDEP staff described recent steps to support reuse of single-use food packaging, including publishing best management practices for reusable takeout containers, offering grants for dishwashing systems and third-party warewashing, and coordinating with the Department of Public Health on food-code alignment.
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection staff on Wednesday reviewed actions to replace single-use takeout packaging with reusable foodware and solicited stakeholder feedback on remaining barriers.
MassDEP’s Kathy Mirza told attendees the agency published best management practices (BMPs) for reusable takeout containers in November 2024. "The BMP provides insights on all the necessary practices related to inspection of the materials, tracking, returning, washing, rinsing, and all those important steps that are necessary for reusable containers," Mirza said.
The nut graf: MassDEP said its approach combines education, technical assistance, grants and procurement steps to expand reuse. The agency funds business- and municipal-focused technical assistance through its Recycling Works contract (administered by CET), operates municipal grant programs (SMRP and RDP), and has awarded microgrants and larger business development grants for reusable systems.
Supporting details: MassDEP described multiple grant pathways that have funded reusable foodware pilots. Examples include microgrants to Recircable (a reusable-container provider) and to Stonehill College to pilot a tracked takeout-container program; a recycling and reuse business development grant to ReDish, a third-party warewashing facility in Boston; and SMRP awards that municipalities have used to purchase dishwashers for school districts. MassDEP staff noted the Recycling Dividends Program awards points for communities that ban types of single-use plastics, and that RDP participation translates to grant dollars for qualifying municipalities.
MassDEP also said reusable stainless-steel cafeteria trays are now available on state contract to simplify procurement for schools and public entities. Mirza added MassDEP has met repeatedly with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to vet the BMPs and ensure they are “consistent with the Massachusetts food code,” so food establishments can use the guidance with confidence.
Stakeholders asked how small dining venues can afford dishwashers and whether local health departments will accept BMP-based reuse. MassDEP staff pointed to microgrants, the Recycling Business Development Grant, and a recycling loan fund as possible funding options and said conversations with the Department of Public Health are ongoing.
Ending: MassDEP staff asked stakeholders for additional examples of workforce development and training needs in reusable foodware, and invited continued feedback as the agency compiles midpoint-review recommendations.
