Organics Recycling How Policy Supports Organics Recovery Markets

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Totaling $161 billion in losses annually. Landfills are the 3rd largest source of U.S. methane. EPA & USDA have set
Compost Bins at Mike’s Store and Deli, Hartland, VT.

Universal Recycling Vermont’s Recycling and Composting Initiative Josh Kelly Materials Management Section Chief

31% of food is lost or wasted.

Totaling $161 billion in losses annually. Landfills are the 3rd largest source of U.S. methane. EPA & USDA have set 50% food waste reduction goal by 2030. (Source: US EPA)

What if…we feed people rather than landfills? more people would eat healthier food, we’d decrease our dependence on landfilling, reduce climate change and GHG 37%,

support green jobs and help grow more food

Purpose & Goal for Today Introduction to the next phase of recycling >>> “Organics” Overview of VT’s Universal Recycling Law and other state’s policies

Recycling Rate Stagnation Vermont 30-36% for more than a decade

U.S. ~34%

VT Residential Trash 2013

THE PROBLEM ~50% could be recycled, recovered, or composted

Moving from “waste management”

To...Materials Management

Comprehensive Solid Waste Policy Required Diversion (bans) = Motivation • recyclables • leaf, yard, and clean wood • food scraps

Parallel Collection = Convenience Pay As You Throw = Incentive Recycling in Public Spaces = Lead by Example

Timing MATERIAL

FACILITIES

HAULERS

BANNED

Recyclables

2014

2015

2015

Leaf & Yard

2015

2016

2016

Food Scraps

2017

2018

2014-2020

Clean Wood All dates are July 1st.

2016

Food Scraps Summary Phases for larger food scrap generators, if there is a facility

within 20 miles • 2014 > 104 tons/year 2 tons/wk • 2015 > 52 tons/year 1 ton/wk • 2016 > 26 tons/year 1/2 ton/wk • 2017 > 18 tons/year 1/3 ton/wk

• 2020 all food scraps banned regardless of distance

Universal Recycling Food Hierarchy

10 Certified Organics Mgmt. Facilities (8 compost, 2 AD)

~82% of towns are w/in 20 miles of a facility

13 Commercial Organics Haulers ~62% of VT has commercial organics hauling service or planned service

State Organics Bans Vermont 2-ton, 1-ton, 1/2-ton, 1/3-ton w/in 20 miles.

food scraps disposal ban in 2020. Massachusetts Oct. 2014 – 1-ton regardless of distance. Connecticut Jan. 2014 – 2-ton, Jan. 2020 – 1-ton w/in 20 miles. Rhode Island Jan. 2016 – 2-ton w/in 15 miles. California Jan. 2016 – 8-cu.yd. May phase to 2-cu.yd. in 2020.

We Compost!

Photo credit: Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District (CVSWMD)

Flexibility Hauler & Facility Exemptions Residents that home compost can throw out meat and bones. Businesses/Institutions that compost can request de minimis designation for some material. Photo courtesy of CVSWMD

Some of What We’ve Done • Hauler/Local Gov. Meetings • Regular Stakeholder Meetings • Industry Outreach • Letters, Calls, Webinars • Outreach Materials • Media campaigns • Site Visits • Small Grants • Partnerships & Collaboration

Tote washing. Photo courtesy of CVSWMD

Container Signage

Materials Management Map

Universal Recycling is Working Trash decreased 5% (2015) and 3.5% (2016) Recycling & Composting rate increased 3% (33% to 36%) VT Food Bank had 40% increase in Food Donation Food Scrap Composting is up nearly 15% from 2014-2015.

Benefits VT informal study: ~73 jobs (hauling, processing food scraps, making and delivering compost) MA Study: organics hauling, processing, and food rescue jobs increased 150% between 2010-2015 NY Study: Wasted Food costs ~$41M and waste reduction and diversion could save $15-22M

Need Help? VTrecycles.com (State) OR (Districts) 802recycles.com

[email protected] 802.522.5897 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter -- @VTrecycles