Mass DEP re recycling

Post date: Jun 07, 2018 4:43:10 PM

June 6, 2018

Dear Municipal Leader:

I am writing to you regarding the state of recycling markets and the impact on municipalities and businesses across the Commonwealth. It is important to keep the lines of communication open and active as we face the challenges presented by recent changes in the recycling markets. China’s restrictions on the import of mixed paper and mixed plastics, known as the National Sword Policy, and the regional market disruptions in glass recycling have had significant impacts on municipal recycling programs.

First, we’d like to acknowledge the critically important partnership among local government, the private hauling and processing industry, non-profits, regional groups, and state government in maintaining a recycling infrastructure that helps divert thousands of tons per day from disposal in landfills and incinerators. This infrastructure supports significant economic activity within the state, regionally and abroad while conserving natural resources and preserving our environment.

Reducing contamination in the recycling stream is an immediate priority to improve the current situation. Massachusetts’ Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) report elevated contamination levels in recyclables. MRFs are working hard to modify operations to meet new contamination standards, identify alternative markets overseas and domestically that they can send materials, and evaluating/installing new sorting technologies.

Massachusetts began over 30 years ago to build a vibrant recycling system, and MassDEP will continue to work to bolster our strong partnerships as we work together through these changed circumstances to ensure the continued success of recycling in Massachusetts. To that end, I wanted to highlight a number of actions MassDEP is taking to address the current situation in an effort to ease the burden for municipalities.

To tackle contamination, MassDEP has created the Recycling IQ Kit to help municipalities implement a boots-on-the-ground initiative to educate residents about proper recycling practices. Over a dozen municipalities are implementing the program and getting strong results. MassDEP provides technical assistance and grants to hire staff and produce outreach materials. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

MassDEP encourages municipalities to participate in the Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) which provides funding for recycling that can be used to offset some increases in recycling costs. The deadline for this application is June 13, 2018. Last year we awarded $2.3 million to 238 municipalities.

MassDEP is providing grants and low interest loans to businesses, including MRFs, to offset technology upgrades to produce cleaner recycling streams and to develop new markets for glass. We have set aside $2 million for Recycling Business Development Grants this year. The current application closes June 22, 2018. Another $3 million is available through the Recycling Loan Fund.

For communities affected by the recent shut-down of the glass container plant in Milford, MassDEP is offering up to $150,000 in Sustainable Materials Recovery Program grants for capital equipment for municipalities to establish glass processing operations to create a local market for glass as a construction aggregate. Processed glass aggregate (PGA) is approved for use as a substitute for sand and crushed aggregate under MassDOT highway specifications. Municipal DPWs can directly assist by utilizing PGA in construction projects. Private businesses can receive up to $400,000 for establishing glass processing operations through the Recycling Business Development Grant program. MassDEP has met with several businesses that produce foamed glass aggregate and other aggregate substitutes and are considering business operations in the Commonwealth.

Next month, we will launch a statewide outreach effort on the importance of “recycling right.” To simplify the message to the public, MassDEP facilitated an agreement among MRF operators on a universal “recycling list” to allow consistent messaging across the Commonwealth about what is and isn’t recyclable.

We will continue to be in touch and welcome your ongoing communication on any issue related to recycling. Please don’t hesitate to contact your Municipal Assistance Coordinator or Greg Cooper, Director of MassDEP’s Business Compliance Unit at 617-292-5988 or at Greg.cooper@state.ma.us if you would like to discuss your particular situation in further detail.

Sincerely,

Martin Suuberg

Commissioner

Cc: Municipal Recycling Contacts