Waste Stream

More and more of our household waste is ending up in landfills, including things that could be recycled or composted. The amount of municipal solid waste sent to landfills in Maine rose 47% between 2018 -2022, according to a report released January 2, 2024 by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

“Organic [food] waste, which constitutes over 40% of solid waste in Maine, poses serious environmental, economic, and societal issues.” - Food Loss and Waste Generation Study

The Coalition does not yet have an official working group for Waste Stream Solutions, but there are exciting actions taking place in Waldo County (see below). Do you have interest or expertise around addressing waste stream issues? If so, we would welcome your help in starting our Waste Stream working group! Please get in touch.

Local Citizens Taking Action

The disposal of Food Waste and Plastics are two areas that we as consumers can help divert from landfills. Two initiatives by local citizens are currently helping with waste stream solutions.

Community Composting

​The citizen-led Community Composting Collaborative has been working since early 2023 to find a location for a Belfast community compost drop-off site. In July 2024, the City Council approved the Collaborative’s proposal to have a one-year trial at the Belfast Transfer Station, administered by ScrapDogs. The program started on November 1st. Citizens of Belfast are now able to drop off their food scraps for free - and can subscribe for a fee to pick up finished compost. Read here for full details.

​This effort grew out of educational programming through All of Belfast Climate Dialogues, Belfast Garden Club and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Belfast Climate Action Team.

Plastic Pollution Solutions

​The appalling sight of plastic litter along our shorelines prompted the 2023 group of Penobscot Bay Stewards (part of the Belfast Bay Watershed Coalition) to form the Plastic Pollution Solutions committee. They are focused on removing single-use plastic utensils, straws, etc. from the waste stream.

​The group is building community support through education to raise awareness and talking with Belfast restaurants. They hope to pass a future ordinance banning single-use plastic food service items in Belfast.

Get Involved

Calling all individuals, organizations and businesses with interest or expertise in waste stream solutions!
​
We invite you to get in touch to volunteer in our efforts, or join as a member organization.

Get in touch

Banner photo: ScrapDogs community composting site. Photo courtesy of ScrapDogs.
Photos of presentations: Community Composting Collaborative presentation; Plastic Pollution Solutions presentations; June 2024. Courtesy of Brenda Harrington.