Massachusetts

Solid Waste Program Overview

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Waste Reduction Programs

100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900

Boston, MA 02114

NERC Board Member Representative

John Fischer

Deputy Division Director, Solid Waste

Overview

The Waste Reduction Programs are part of the Department of Environmental Protection's Bureau of Waste Prevention (BWP). The Municipal Branch works with municipalities, schools, and the general public to achieve solid waste reduction goals through source reduction, toxicity reduction, recycling, and composting programs. The Commercial Branch works to promote source reduction, recycling, composting, construction and demolition recycling, market development and environmentally preferable procurement in the commercial sector through technical and financial assistance and regulatory strategies.

In its 2030 Solid Waste Master Plan, Massachusetts outlines its goals, policies, and strategies for solid waste management and to ensure adequate management capacity. The plan sets aggressive waste reduction goals and strategies and establishes a framework to ensure that remaining waste is managed safely.