At the New Bedford Waste and Recycling Center, Jessica Caban tends to vibrant yellow bins dedicated to food waste. These bins quickly fill up with scraps like veggie peels, chicken bones, and apple cores. After collection, the scraps are taken to composting facilities. Last November, New Bedford partnered with ReMix Organics to allow residents to easily drop off these food scraps during center hours. It’s a small step toward a bigger goal: repurposing waste that would otherwise end up in landfills.
Massachusetts plans to ban food scraps from municipal trash by 2030, but many communities, including New Bedford, aren’t fully equipped for this change. Caban expressed concerns about the current infrastructure, saying, “It’s not realistic to expect communities to comply without proper support.” Food waste currently makes up nearly 25% of household trash in the state, making this ban a significant challenge.
While many towns have made strides in composting, lower-income areas like New Bedford often lag behind. Caban noted that funding for curbside composting programs is hard to come by, leaving these communities at a disadvantage. In contrast, cities like Boston, Cambridge, and Medford have successfully launched their own composting services, enabling easier participation for residents.
As of 2023, over 20,000 tons of food scraps have been diverted from landfills thanks to various collection programs across Massachusetts, indicating a growing awareness of the issue. Caban shared that New Bedford itself has seen an increase in food scrap drop-offs, doubling from 50 to over 100 gallons each week. The local schools have also joined the effort, composting more than 67 tons of waste in a year.
Experts like Kirstie Pecci from Just Zero emphasize the importance of reducing what goes into landfills. “We need to treat composting as a natural part of waste disposal,” she urged. This shift will take time and effort, but it’s essential for sustainable waste management.
Anthony Novelli, head of the Greater New Bedford Regional Refuse Management District, agrees that much work lies ahead. He mentioned the exploration of a composting facility within the district, which could future-proof waste management as landfill capacity declines. Caban believes that raising community awareness will be crucial for the success of any new programs.
In the coming years, it’s clear that composting must become a common practice for everyone. With proper education and collaboration among local organizations, communities can shift their attitudes toward waste. As sustainability advocates push for action, the fight for improved composting programs in New Bedford continues. Ultimately, residents must be engaged to make these changes part of their daily routines.
