Food waste bans promote waste reduction, support sustainability initiatives, and help reduce the environmental impact of food waste.
That said, not all bans are successful. A recent study found that bans in five states targeting commercial waste producers had little to no impact on landfill organic waste disposal.
However, there was one exception: Massachusetts.
Contrary to the other states, Massachusetts achieved a 13.2% reduction in landfilled organic waste. With one of the strongest organic waste bans in the country—helping reduce food waste in Boston and other cities—all eyes are on Massachusetts as a model for boosting sustainability.
Keep reading to learn the key components of the Massachusetts food waste ban, how businesses can stay compliant with laws, and additional state regulations that address food waste in Massachusetts.
Key Takeaways
- In Massachusetts, food waste accounts for more than 25% of the waste stream after recycling, totaling over 1 million tons per year.
- The Commercial Food Material Disposal Ban prohibits businesses and institutions in Massachusetts that generate one-half ton or more of waste per week from disposing of food and other organic materials.
- The Massachusetts food waste ban has spurred considerable economic growth since its implementation in 2014, including 900+ new jobs, $175 million in activity, a $77 million boost to the Gross State Product, and over $5 million in state and local tax revenue generated.
- New research found a 25.7% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions per ton of disposal following Massachusetts’ commercial food waste ban, solidifying its status as a nationwide leader in food waste reduction.
Understanding Food Waste in Massachusetts
Massachusetts is among the least wasteful states in the United States. In fact, a study by LawnStarter comparing food waste statistics by state found that Massachusetts has the lowest share of food wasted, the 2nd highest share of recycled food, and the 3rd highest share of donated food.
However, that’s not to say there isn’t food waste in Massachusetts, as food waste is a global issue that affects everyone along the supply chain. In Massachusetts alone, food waste accounts for more than 25% of the waste stream after recycling, totaling over 1 million tons per year.
To address concerns related to food waste, such as environmental impact and food safety, the food waste ban in Massachusetts has played an important role in reducing landfill waste.
This ban supports Massachusetts’ Solid Waste Master Plan, which establishes goals to reduce statewide disposal by 30% by 2030 and achieve a 90% reduction by 2050.
The Massachusetts Food Waste Ban: What Businesses Need to Know
As a nationwide leader in food waste reduction, Massachusetts has set the standard with key regulations. That said, it’s critical that we understand the laws that have shaped this progress, starting with the state’s food waste ban.
The Commercial Food Material Disposal Ban prohibits businesses and institutions that generate a certain amount of waste per week from disposing of food and other organic materials.
This ban started on October 1, 2014, requiring participation from businesses and institutions generating one ton or more of these materials per week. However, the threshold was lowered on November 1, 2022, to include facilities generating more than one-half ton of these materials per week.
To better understand the food waste ban in Massachusetts, let’s take a look at why it was implemented, its benefits, and more.
Why did Massachusetts Implement the Food Waste Ban?
Food waste is a multifaceted issue, with food waste in restaurants, supermarket food waste, and food wasted in school cafeterias all contributing to the issue.
Since food waste is generated at every stage of the supply chain, several concerns must be addressed, including landfill capacity issues, pollution, methane emissions, and economic consequences.
That said, the Massachusetts food waste ban helps reduce the negative consequences of waste, therefore supporting the U.S. in reaching its goal of cutting food loss and waste in half by the year 2030 and contributing to long-term sustainability efforts.
What are the benefits of this ban?
In addition to addressing the environmental concerns mentioned above, the Massachusetts food waste ban has also spurred considerable economic growth since its implementation in 2014, including:
- 900+ new jobs.
- $175 million in activity.
- A $77 million boost to the Gross State Product.
- Over $5 million in state and local tax revenue generated.
Does it work?
Yes, Massachusetts’ food waste ban has played a critical role in diverting food from landfills.
New research calculated a 25.7% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions per ton of disposal after the state’s commercial food waste ban was put in place. The ban has also caused more than 380,000 tons of food waste to be diverted and repurposed each year, resulting in more than 3,300 tons of avoided methane emissions annually.
The report also highlights MassDEP’s inspection efforts as a reason for the program’s success. Since 2014, the agency has inspected more than 45,000 loads of trash and taken more than 140 enforcement actions against violators.
This food waste data in Massachusetts gives us valuable insight into the success of this initiative, helping Massachusetts earn its reputation as a national leader in food waste reduction.
Who is Affected by the Ban?
As mentioned, the food waste ban applies to businesses and institutions generating more than one-half ton of food waste per week. According to MassDEP’s waste estimation tool, the following organizations are likely to be affected:
- Restaurants serving 1,000+ meals per week or with 17+ employees.
- Supermarkets with 17+ full-time employees.
- Large venues with 2,222+ weekly visitors.
- Colleges, hospitals, and assisted living facilities above certain thresholds.
How Businesses Can Comply with the Food Waste Ban
So, the big question is: how can your company ensure compliance?
Keep reading to learn how regulations are enforced and get tips for staying compliant.
How is Compliance Enforced?
MassDEP created a strategy that holds all parties responsible for waste ban compliance. This strategy includes reviewing and approving compliance plans by solid waste facilities and then inspecting them to ensure they comply with monitoring, inspections, recordkeeping, and more.
They also inspect food waste haulers and generators, including businesses, institutions, and municipalities that are required to comply with the food waste ban.
If facilities or businesses do not comply, MassDEP will send a warning letter, followed by a fine if the problem persists.
How to stay compliant with the ban?
To avoid fines, companies and institutions should consider the following tips:
- Conducting a Food Waste Audit: Food waste audits help companies assess their waste generation and therefore determine if they exceed disposal thresholds. By identifying waste sources and quantities, these audits also serve as a valuable tool in creating more effective waste prevention strategies.
- Separating Organic Waste: To comply with the Massachusetts food recycling law, businesses should set up on-site food waste bins to encourage workers to get involved in recycling initiatives. Training is also important, as it emphasizes the importance of food waste recycling and teaches proper sorting techniques.
- Working with a Licensed Waste Hauler: Working with a licensed waste hauler ensures your company stays up to date with local food regulations. At Shapiro, we’ll collect, transport, and treat your waste, ensuring you maintain compliance while reducing your environmental footprint.
- Exploring Waste Processing Options: There are various food waste management options available, including composting, anaerobic digestion, and donations. At Shapiro, we’ll help you understand the difference between these solutions, creating a tailored waste management strategy that meets the unique needs of your business.
Food Waste Solutions for Massachusetts Businesses
Navigating the legal landscape while determining the right waste management solution can be intimidating. That said, here are some tips for businesses interested in reducing waste and adopting innovative waste management solutions:
- Reducing Food Waste at the Source: Reducing food waste should be a top priority for businesses, as it prevents the problem from occurring in the first place. There are multiple strategies businesses can implement to prevent waste, such as improving inventory management, maintaining optimal temperatures and humidity levels during storage and transportation, and optimizing demand forecasting.
- Donation & Redistribution: Before turning to waste management solutions like composting, businesses should donate surplus food that is safe to eat. To encourage donations, the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act protect donors from liability when food is donated in good faith.
- Working with a Food Waste Management Company: Companies struggling to stay compliant with food waste regulations can simplify recycling food waste by partnering with an organic waste management company. At Shapiro, we offer on-site food waste collection and transportation, direct partnerships with composting and recycling facilities, and tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes.
How Does Food Waste Recycling Save Businesses Money?
With food waste costing the U.S. an estimated $218 billion or 1.3% of GDP every year, many—if not all—businesses experience the financial consequences of food waste.
By complying with the food waste ban in Massachusetts, businesses can minimize the financial losses associated with waste and take advantage of economic incentives. This includes:
- Lower Disposal Costs: Diverting food from landfills through solutions like waste prevention, surplus food donation, and composting helps businesses reduce disposal costs. This is especially important today, as rising landfill fees are a major concern for many companies.
- Federal Tax Incentives: Food waste tax deductions are provided to businesses to encourage donations of eligible food to qualified nonprofit organizations. In addition to giving back to your community, these deductions will help increase your business’ overall profitability.
On the other hand, increased food recycling in Massachusetts helps boost profitability for businesses in the organic waste sector.
The Massachusetts Commercial Food Waste Ban Economic Impact Analysis reports the findings from a survey conducted among 98 organizations involved in organic waste hauling, processing, and food rescue. This report shows that in the organic waste sector, the Massachusetts food waste ban has driven a 150% increase in employment, with industry activity generating approximately $175 million in economic benefits.
Other State Regulations Businesses Should Know About
In addition to the food waste ban in Massachusetts, businesses should be aware of the following laws regulating food waste:
- Massachusetts Bottle Bill: The Massachusetts Bottle Bill encourages recycling by requiring a five-cent deposit on carbonated soft drink, beer, malt beverage, and sparkling water containers sold in the state. Consumers can then return clean, empty containers to retailers or redemption centers to reclaim their deposit.
- Massachusetts Date Labeling Regulations: In addition to the FDA model Food Code provisions, Massachusetts requires date labeling on some prepackaged perishable items that have an estimated shelf life of less than 90 days. However, fresh meat, poultry, fish, fruits, vegetables, and small prepackaged items under 1.5 ounces are exempt.
The Bottom Line
The food waste ban in Massachusetts is a great example of how statewide regulations can reduce the negative impact of waste. However, not all food waste bans have proven successful, highlighting the need for well-designed policies and the necessary infrastructure to ensure long-term success.
At Shapiro, we provide end-to-end food waste recycling solutions to help your business comply with local regulations and achieve sustainability goals. Whether you’re in Massachusetts or another state, we’ll work closely with you to create a tailored strategy that works for you.
Contact us today to learn more about our organic waste management solutions.
Massachusetts Food Waste Ban FAQ
The Massachusetts food waste ban has significantly reduced food waste in this state. The ban applies to businesses and institutions that generate one-half ton or more of organic waste per week, prohibiting them from disposing of food and other organic materials in the trash.
In Massachusetts, food waste accounts for more than 25% of the waste stream after recycling, totaling over 1 million tons per year. Various factors contribute to waste generation, including residential and commercial waste, as well as food waste from events and other sources.
Yes, schools that exceed the threshold are required to separate and divert organic waste in compliance with the Massachusetts food recycling law. That said, MassDEP estimates that most public schools will not exceed the reduced ½ ton per week threshold.
Food material should be separated from packaging at the source whenever possible. If not, it can be sent to a facility for packaging removal. If this process is difficult and technology or facilities are not available to remove packaging from the product, businesses can apply for an exemption from the waste ban for that material.
Yes, meat and dairy are included in commercial organic materials.
*If you have more questions about the food waste ban, check this document for detailed answers to frequently asked questions.
Baily Ramsey, an accomplished marketing specialist, brings a unique blend of anthropological insight and marketing finesse to the digital landscape. Specializing in educational content creation, she creates content for various industries, with a particular interest in environmental initiatives.
