58. The region will produce less solid waste, and more of that waste will be recycled or composted.
MetroFuture supports the goals and objectives of the Massachusetts Solid Waste Master Plan. Products, packaging, and buildings all contain embedded energy, and the region can conserve this energy through waste reduction, recycling, and composting. Each ton of solid waste contains the equivalent of 10 million British Thermal Units (btu.) Each ton of recycling or waste reduction can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 500 pounds of carbon. The region would conserve this energy by applying technologies and strategies developed by local “green tech” industries. Recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing activities in Massachusetts generate revenues of $3.6 billion annually, and comprise an estimated 19,000 jobs statewide.
Metro Boston produced 2.3 million tons of solid waste in 2006; only 25% of which was recycled or composted. 64 municipalities diverted less than 25% of their waste to recycling or compost. Only 5 municipalities recycle or divert more than 50% of their solid waste to recycling or compost.
Objectives:
- By 2030, the region’s solid waste production will be 70% below potential waste generation (based on gross regional product).
- By 2030, 100% of the region’s cities and towns will recycle or compost 56% of municipal
solid waste.