DEP to host Food Scrap Diversion Workshops

May 6, 2022

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is hosting a series of Food Scrap Diversion Workshops in collaboration with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry and the University of Maine Mitchell Center for Sustainable Solutions. This is a chance to learn about the most up-to-date information on local food waste recycling initiatives. These half-day workshops will introduce the concept of local consolidated food scrap collection and management as an alternative to disposal in our landfills. Discussions will focus on developing tools to help communities promote "higher and better uses" for collected organics along with providing a pathway for successful initiation of food scrap recovery programs. Strategies learned will allow communities to reduce overall disposal costs, decrease reliance on disposal in landfills, improve community health and enhance local soil health and vitality. The workshops are open to the public and are free. The sessions start at 8:30 a.m. and end at 1:30 p.m. Please contact the person named below to register.

Upcoming Workshops: Kennebunk - May 25, 2022

West Kennebunk Fire Station located on Thompson Road

Contact: Bryan Laverriere, Public Works Director (Kennebunk)

blaverriere@kennebunkmaine.us, (207) 604-1308

Cumberland May 27, 2022

Cumberland Town Hall, 290 Tuttle Road, Cumberland Center

Contact: William Shane, Town Manager (Cumberland)

wshane@cumberlandmaine.com, (207) 829-4264

Caribou June 3, 2022

Northern Maine Development Corporation, 11 West Presque Isle Road, Caribou

Contact: Jay Kamm, Senior Planner

jkamm@nmdc.org, (207) 493-5757

Auburn June 21, 2022

Androscoggin Valley Council of Governments, 125 Manley Road, Auburn

Contact: Yvette Meunier, Environmental and Community Planner

ymeunier@avcog.org, (207) 783-9186 Ext. 225

For additional information, contact: David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner david.madore@maine.gov or

Mark King, Organics Management Specialist mark.a.king@maine.gov