In 2007 the Mass Dept. of Environmental Protection has begun taking enforcement action against business that violate the waste ban regulations.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 3, 2007         

Ed Coletta, MassDEP 617-292-5737

MassDEP: Massachusetts Businesses Still Throwing Too Many Recyclables Away

In 2003, MassDEP awarded a $25,000 grant to the South Shore Recycling Cooperative to help local businesses reduce their waste and comply with waste ban regulations. The SSRC hired WasteCap of Massachusetts, a non-profit public/private organization, to set up the Partnership.

Paper and cardboard, along with several other materials, are banned from disposal by State regulation, and can comprise up to 80% of many businesses' trash. By removing those materials from the trash to be recycled, businesses can save money on disposal with smaller dumpsters, less frequent pickups and reduced tip fees. EOMS, the recycling vendor that was awarded the contract through the grant, still provides ongoing assistance to businesses in setting up recycling in-house and adjusting disposal contracts to account for reductions in the amounts of trash generated. The South Shore Recycling Cooperative is also available for contract assistance.