BY MAUREEN DOYLE
Here's the state's detailed Powerpoint presentation
I'll write my observations, then have a bunch of notes, links, etc. at the end...
In an attempt to meet the 2010-2020 MA Solid Waste Master Plan trash REDUCTION goal of 30% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, they suggest separating recyclables and organic matter and treating them differently. The organic matter (vegetable and food material, grass clippings, leaves, clean wood, even paper) will be composted or used in anaerobic digesters. This will definately create more jobs and economic development opportunities and, most importantly, improve our immediate environment (i.e., air quality will be improved by less frequent truck loads of physical trash and by the "clean power" created by the anaerobic digesters).
Presently, the MA site assignment law (MGL Chapter 111) and Regulations (310 CMR 16.00) does not designate how organic materials should be dealt with. So, if organic materials are diverted from the larger trash stream (and used in compost facilities or anaerobic digesters), DEP needs to address this in their site assignments.
Reducing our overall trash was NOT discussed in the DEP meeting as a way to meet the MA Solid Waste Master Plan trash reduction goal but I see this as imperative to the plan. There is so much packaging on many products; consumers can consider if they really need that product; if yes, the next consideration is: is there is an alternate, but comparable, product with less packaging. Unfortunately, the electronics industry , with devices that have "planned obsolence" built into them (you know the things- the cell phones, tvs, and radios that last only a couple of years before a newer, improved model that you just "have to have" comes along), create a lot of waste. Until they have a "producer take back" program (where producers will be forced to take this waste back and will hopefully, figure out a way to reduce the waste), the disposal of this packaing lies on the consumers' shoulders. Send the electronics company a message by not buying their product (and back it up with a call or email to the company saying WHY you are not buying their overpackaged product).
Another thing that takes up a lot of space in the trash or landfill are those plastic bags that stores give you to take your purchases home.These bags do not decompose in a landfill and, as far as I know, the plastic is too thin to actually "recycle". Do the Earth and your fellow human beings a favor and bring a cloth bag (that you can use again and again!!) to the store. Not only will you be reducing waste but you will be a good model to other shoppers (who will say, "what a great idea!! I am going to bring my own bag,too!"
MA DEP wants to collect materials to compost but the best thing for MA DEP to do is to support home composting. This would keep organic materials out of the landfill , without having to provide extra shipping and storing, since the composting will be done at the source. If one is a home gardener, there is nothing like compost to build and create healthy soil. Composting kitchen scraps is very easy to do and it is an invaluable source of fertilizer (that builds soil, helps to retain moisture, and provides nutrients to the plants and microorganisms that dwell by the millions in our soil and enhance it tremendously). If not a home gardener, compost can be turned into potting soil or soil admendments for your land or house plants. If that is not what you want to do, collect your organic waste and donate it to someone who can use it (any farmer will be happy for the donation!!).
Happy composting and reducing! Peace, maureen
Notes from that hearing:
Worcester, MA at the DEP Building
--summary of proposed regulations to encourage composting and the use of anaerobic digestion: Look about halfway down this page for "Building Capacity for Managing Organic Materials in Massachusetts")
Other related regs:
--310 CMR 16.00 Recycling Regs
--310 CMR 19.00 Solid waste Management Facility Regs
--through composting and anaerobic digestion (generating electricity using digesters), DEP predicts that 350,000 tons of organic matter will be diverted from landfills/trash disposal
--what are the issues on the current regulations: since 310 CMR has been around for 20 years, it does not include anaerobic digestion and it needs to!
Some definitions:
--DON= determination of need
--pre-sorted=single-stream recycling (because the recyclables are separate from the trash
--what is the result of an anaerobic digester? Liquid which can be turned to methane gas which can be used for energy. The solids that are left from the process could be used for animal bedding. The benefit of this digester is that it is a compact machine that will eliminate a huge pile of manure, a landfill, etc.. This reduces the unpleasant smell and the unsightliness of a landfill or large pile.
DEP is suggesting that the DON be replaced (for each business needing waste removal) with an annual permit process
-- the comment process ends at 5pm on Jan. 23, 2012 but if you have comments, please share them with:
james.doucett@state.ma.us
--one speaker asked why recycling is such a big deal in MA. She previously lived in NYC where recycling was mandatory.
--another speaker cautioned against "messing with recycling as it is now"
Basically, since recycling isn't mandatory and a number of people don't do it, the DEP is looking at another avenue to reduce the load they have in the landfill. I feel that if people aren't going to get off their butts to recycle they definitely won't compost (which is NOT as simple as throwing a can in a bin). I hope that I'm wrong!!
(Edited 2/27/12 mostly to add links, combining this post and the one that used to be right after it chronologically.)
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