Waste Watchers Workshop Press Release

ACES officially kicked off its Waste Watchers Workshop (WWW) with its first session on February 11. Despite the overnight snow, the classrooms of the Parker River Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center were filled to capacity with elected officials, city and town board members, and school leaders from across the region, including Amesbury, Groveland, Newbury, Newburyport, Rowley, and West Newbury, and the Triton and Pentucket regional school districts.

The morning began with presentations from Rachel Smith and Brian Walsh from MassDEP, informing the crowd about the state’s solid waste reduction plans as well as state grants, resources and technical assistance programs available to help municipalities track and reduce waste, including the Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) and the Recycling Dividends Program (RDP). Four of the 8 targeted communities are currently enrolled in these funding programs. Molly Ettenborough shared the programs developed in the City of Newburyport over the last ten years and how the city has leveraged those resources to continue to expand its waste reduction efforts. ACES is hoping to facilitate a regional approach and Claire Golkowski of the South Shore Recycling Cooperative shared how communities in her region formalized that approach, collaborating since 2001.

“This workshop created the opportunity for municipalities to share success stories, talk through challenges, and explore possibilities for regional collaboration. Most importantly, it showed our communities that a 30% statewide waste reduction goal can become a reality,” says Brian Walsh, Municipal Assistance Coordinator for MassDEP’s Northeast District 2.

Following the speakers’ sessions, participants participated in 3 break-out sessions. The first, provided in-depth information and Q&A opportunity to learn more about the state-sponsored grants and how to expand programs where those grants are already being leveraged. The second session allowed for in-depth sharing and brainstorming of potential programs and strategies related to improving recycling and diverting food waste out of the primary waste stream. The morning capped off with each municipality creating a 1 year vision for how they would like to see their waste reduction efforts evolve. Results varied from those just beginning and needing to establish committees or policies to those seeking to set waste reduction targets for 2027.

Molly Ettenborough, Recycling and Energy Manager in Newburyport’s Sustainability Office, reflects, “The regional waste reduction workshop was a valuable opportunity for stakeholders across our region to learn about the state’s rising trash disposal costs and shrinking landfill and incinerator capacity, and to explore collaborative solutions and real-world examples of how working together can help alleviate these pressures.”

Mayor Kassandra Gove attended with the city’s Conservation Agent Amanda Armington and Energy Manager DJ Johnson. I really enjoyed the workshop for the big picture and small detail conversations among colleagues and experts. I was able to take statewide goals and data and work with my team on measurable and realistic steps for our community. The more I learn the better I can communicate our priorities and develop strategies for change. Many thanks to everyone who shared their expertise that day,” says Gove.

The second workshop will be held March 11, bringing together current and potential private sector collaborators who 1) are already working on solid waste management and reduction or 2) have unique experience and opportunity to support the municipalities in their efforts through convening and guiding action among residents or businesses.

Lyndsey Haight is facilitating the workshops as a volunteer member of the ACES team. “My greatest take-away was the energy in the room. These 6 cities and towns, facing so many local challenges and a snow storm, showed up ready to lean into this problem. As we move through this series, our next challenge is bringing the private sector together to help. Waste reduction happens at the human level, whether you are at home, walking downtown, or building your place of business. We would love to have the region’s Chambers of Commerce, churches, and private schools join us for workshop 2. We also welcome people who are passionate about this cause and are ready to be their neighborhood or town champion.”

Those interested should reach out to Haight at lyndsey.haight@aces-alliance.org. ACES, an all-volunteer organization focused on climate resilience and sustainability, is also still seeking underwriters to help cover the costs of these workshops and the work to track results. Those who would like to support this series are also encouraged to fellow ACES team member Lon Hachmeister, Lon.hachmeister@aces-alliance.org.

Background:

ACES has been convening members of the public over the last 18 months to gauge interest and expand awareness about the need to reduce solid waste. In 2021, the Massachusetts DEP set a target to reduce solid waste by 30% by 2030 and by 90% by 2050 from 2018 volumes. Reducing waste benefits our planet, reduces costs to our communities and improves health for everyone. This imminent mandate presents challenges to communities; ACES aims to build strength through collaboration between public and private sectors across the region, using these workshops as the launching point.

The third workshop will bring the two cohorts together in April. Each community will complete the series equipped with actionable, sustainable projects that they can grow within their communities. They’ll also have a large community of peers for support, continued learning, and momentum to get to the Commonwealth’s ambitious goals. If you represent a private sector organization, company or collaborative that would like to partner with local municipalities, or if you would like to provide financial support to underwrite this series, please reach out to Lyndsey Haight, ACES team member and WWW facilitator, lyndsey.haight@aces-alliance.org.