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In 2006, only 25% of the 2.3 million tons of waste produced in Metro Boston was recycled or composted.  The need for waste disposal creates both environmental and fiscal problems.  The relative difficulty with building more landfills and incinerators in Massachusetts means that disposal is expensive for municipalities and businesses.  In 2006, 21% of Massachusetts’ waste slated for disposal was exported out of state at even greater expense, and with the additional concerns of safety and emissions that are associated with waste transport.

Meeting MetroFuture’s goals for waste reduction and diversion will require reducing the amount of waste produced in the first place, diverting more recyclable and compostable material from disposal, and developing markets for diverted material.  The MA Solid Waste Master Plan (MA SWMP) was updated in June 2006.  Based on careful analysis of the greatest untapped opportunities for waste reduction and the success of past initiatives, it includes strategies for spending resources first in the areas where the biggest “bang for the buck” can be achieved.  It calls for greater enforcement of existing state waste bans; focused efforts with large-scale waste generators in partnership with them and/or related trade associations; development of waste reduction initiatives where the market for material presents particular opportunities for cost effective diversion; and focused efforts on organics, and construction and demolition waste, which are waste streams with the substantial additional diversion potential and benefits.  These strategies, and more broadly this approach, remain appropriate.  The following recommendations are informed by it

38)    Strengthen incentives for recycling and composting

39)    Increase waste diversion infrastructure at the generator, local, and regional levels