Solid waste master plan

The state's recycling rate has tripled over the last decade, creating a $600 million industry that employs 12,000 people. To continue progress and deal with a 24 percent increase in waste over the last ten years, officials are reviewing public comments on the "Beyond 2000 Solid Waste Master Plan," the draft version of which set a goal for reducing waste by 70 percent by 2010 through source reduction and recycling. Some of the input voiced at five July hearings and through written comments will be addressed in the plan when it is released in October, says Joe Ferson of DEP.

The Beyond 2000 Plan will establish the framework of the state's solid waste management system for the next ten years. Some of the steps called for in the draft version are to: Implement a "Product Stewardship Initiative" leading to packaging redesign, more opportunities for reuse, reductions of toxics in products, and expansion of safe and effective post-consumer collection and recycling/reuse efforts; Increase backyard composting of yard trimmings, food residuals and used paper; Promote PayAs-You-Throw programs; Promote material exchange networks and other reuse opportunities; Work with the waste management industry to increase recycling infrastructure (collection and programs); Focus efforts on construction and demolition waste, including source reduction in building design, construction and redevelopment, development of recycling/reuse infrastructure, and implementing a ban on disposal of unprocessed waste from this sector in 2003; Consider legislation requiring recycling access in multifamily dwellings; Increase efforts to expand sustainable markets for recyclables; Expand commercial recycling initiatives; Increase enforcement of waste bans for recyclable materials; and Consider banning additional materials from disposal facilities. To download a copy of the draft master plan, visit www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/dswm/dswmpubs.htm#swmp.