South Portland is serious about sustainability. This year the city hired its first Sustainability Coordinator, and in her first year on the job Julie Rosenbach has set some ambitious goals for the city. Earlier this year South Portland announced a new goal — zero waste at all city events. This new benchmark is part of Read More
solid waste
Compost: Good for More Than Just Your Garden!
A growing awareness of the benefits of composting is paying dividends beyond those found in the healthy produce and beautiful flowers compost can help create. Students at Saco Middle School (and many other schools around Maine), through hands-on learning, are discovering the multiple benefits of composting. In addition to the obvious benefits you can taste, Read More
How Maine Towns are Trying to Throw Away Less and Save More
By Christopher Burns, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story Maine residents and businesses produced 2.5 million tons of waste in 2013, working out to 2.8 pounds of garbage per person each day. While that’s less garbage per person than the national average (4.4 pounds), getting rid of all that waste is expensive. It’s consistently Read More
Bill Would Eliminate Deposit Fee on Larger Bottles
WGME-TV news story AUGUSTA (WGME)—A bill in Augusta would eliminate bottle deposit fees on any bottle larger than 32 ounces, which includes 2-liter soda bottles and large wine bottles. Those against the change say it would seriously hurt the redemption center business in Maine and lead to more littering. “This would be a windfall for Read More
Maine Needs Recycling Boost, But Not at Bottle Bill’s Expense
By The BDN Editorial Board Bangor Daily News editorial If reality reflected state law, Mainers today would recycle and compost at least half their solid waste. They would have reached that threshold in 2009. Instead, Maine’s recycling rate has remained stubbornly close to 40 percent for years, with no sustained progress to speak of. The Read More
Mid Coast Hospital Adds Compost to Environmentally Friendly Practices
Boosting its environmentally friendly practices at the start of this month, Mid Coast Hospital began a composting program that reduces the amount of garbage disposed of into the waste stream, while supplying nutrient rich soil for gardening and landscaping. “As part of our commitment to the health and well being of the community, we strive Read More
Plan to Build Landfill in Argyle or Greenbush Draws Fire at Maine DEP Public Meeting
By Dawn Gagnon, BDN Staff Bangor Daily News news story OLD TOWN, Maine — Nearly two hours into a two-part public information meeting Tuesday afternoon and evening, officials from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection had yet to hear much in the way of support for a controversial plan to build a landfill and recycling Read More
Comments on DEP Application for a Determination of Public Benefit For a Landfill to be Located in Argyle Township or Greenbush
I am submitting these comments on behalf of the Natural Resources Council of Maine, which has a strong interest in Maine’s Solid Waste Management Policy. In that context, we believe that this proposal comes at a time when DEP’s decision will determine the direction and tone of our State’s Materials Management efforts moving forward. We Read More
Waterville’s Pay-as-you-throw Trash Plan Evokes Criticism, Praise
Detractors cite increased costs for individual residents, while proponents note then environmental benefits and municipal savings. By Rachel Ohm, Staff Writer Morning Sentinel news story WATERVILLE — With city officials looking to convert solid waste disposal to a pay-as-you-throw system, residents are divided over the pros and cons of such a scheme. Some say it Read More
