MassDEP details food-waste targets, inspections and business support as expanded ban is implemented

John Fisher of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection said Tuesday that food waste accounts for "a little bit more than 1 fifth" of the state's trash — about 930,000 tons a year — and reiterated the state's 2030 goal to reduce disposal by an additional 500,000 tons per year from a 2018 baseline.

Fisher described the implementation history for food-waste disposal bans, noting an initial 2014 ban and a 2022 expansion. He said current in-state processing capacity is roughly 500,000 tons per year and that meeting the 2030 target will require both more capacity and a focus on residential and smaller-generator reductions.

"We always want [a waste ban] to be implemented as part of a comprehensive approach," Fisher said, describing enforcement paired with compliance assistance at solid-waste facilities and outreach to businesses.

MassDEP reported inspection and enforcement activity tied to the ban: since the November 2022 expansion inspectors have reviewed a little over 4,000 loads; since the original 2014 ban inspectors have reviewed more than 45,000 loads. The agency said it has issued 143 enforcement actions related to commercial organic materials: 129 notices of noncompliance and 14 consent orders. Fisher said MassDEP plans to increase facility inspections this year from about 134 to roughly 224.

Fisher explained MassDEP's inspection process: staff observe tip-floor loads, record the hauler and scale ticket (weight), and use collection frequency to estimate per-week food-waste generation before taking enforcement steps. He said the agency sends certified Requests for Information in batches (typically 20'30 entities) and has mailed informational notices to about 3,000 businesses; failure to respond can prompt enforcement.

Heather Billings, representing the RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts program (a MassDEP-funded program delivered by the Center for EcoTechnology, or CET), outlined free assistance available to businesses and institutions. RecyclingWorks offers phone and on-site technical assistance, a food-waste estimator tool, downloadable signage and templates for donation programs, and a searchable "find a recycler" contact list for donation and diversion services.

Billings described guidance developed with public-health and food-rescue partners to help establishments set up donation programs, and said CET is working on best-practice guidance for the use of reusables in food service. A participant who identified themselves with the Greater Boston Food Bank noted that her research shows no court cases citing the Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act, a point offered to reassure prospective donors about liability protection.

Fisher said MassDEP will share the presentation and resources after the meeting and invited follow-up questions and suggestions on outreach and implementation.

The briefing closed with a request for feedback on contact-list formats and materials; agencies and providers interested in updates were told the presentation materials will be circulated by email.