Understanding Regional Waste Disposal and Recycling Systems

In October of 2020, SRPC began creating a regional snapshot of recycling and waste disposal programs for our 18 municipalities. The goal was to examine the efficiency of these waste disposal networks and see if there were municipal partnerships that could be developed based on this information. We investigated three sections of municipal waste: transfer station activities and costs, recycling processes and composting availability. This data collection included analyzing how waste is collected by municipalities, what services are available to residents, the costs associated with disposing of this waste, and where the waste goes once it leaves a municipality. This information was gathered through conversations with transfer station attendants, Department of Public Works employees, town administrators, and through online data collection.

To compliment the quantitative data we gathered, we wanted to collect success stories from our region’s communities regarding waste and recycling in recent years. We reached out to municipalities to hear first-hand accounts on how they have improved their waste and recycling systems, wrote a synopsis for each one, then had the organization verify this information. We replicated this with our community partners. We also consolidated information on innovative and helpful recycling and waste practices and policies that could be implemented in the Strafford Region, based on reputable news articles, local partners, and research.

Challenges associated with our methodology included inconsistent methods of calculating and reporting waste information among our communities and the availability of the data we sought to gather based on its accessibility to SRPC. Based on this and the information we were able to gather, we’ve created a StoryMap that focuses on waste processes in our region, testimonials, and a list of resources municipalities and individuals may find helpful moving forward. Scroll down to view our results!

Municipal transfer stations vary greatly with what types of waste materials are accepted. The two tables below summarize what types of waste are typically accepted at each municipalities transfer station.

In addition to the materials above, most municipalities have an annual Hazardous Waste Day, and some municipalities have an E-Waste Disposal Day as well as an Unused Medications Disposal Day. For more information on when the next date is to dispose of these materials in your municipality, contact your municipal staff at Town Hall or City Hall.

For Individuals

There are so many things that we can do to reduce our personal waste production. Check out  these suggestions from the US EPA  and  these suggestions from Treehugger .

For Municipal Staff

Conduct a community policy audit. Determine if there are ordinances or zoning regulations that restrict waste and recycling activities. Plan ahead. Figure out what your community is doing to address future waste issues. The first step of waste reduction goals is focusing on reusable instead of just recyclable. You can learn more about how to improve your municipalities recycling program with  these suggestions from the EPA  and  these suggestions from Bigbelly .

For Businesses

There are  several benefits  to your business when you recycle! Check out the US EPA  Guide to Managing and Reducing Wastes for Commercial Buildings .

Producer Responsibility policies place responsibility for product end-of-life management on the original producer and/or seller of that product. These policies can have two approaches. Shared (or partial) responsibility places financial responsibility for end-of life management on the producer/seller. Full responsibility places both financial and operational responsibility for end-of-life management on the producer/seller. These policies are underway in  Canada  and  25 EU member states  and are being considered by  California, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maine, Oregon, and New York .

Pros of Producer Responsibility Policies

• Funds recycling programs.
• Sends a cost signal to producers.
• Rewards companies for going green.
• Spreads recycling costs across industries.
• Funds from policies can upgrade trash-handling technology for more efficiency.
• The packaging industry is starting to get behind these policies, mostly to have a seat at the decision-making table.

Cons of Producer Responsibility Policies

• The full costs of recycling programs might not be covered by these programs.
• Taxpayers might pay twice (as consumer and taxpayer) without price gouging prevention.
• Can be difficult in areas without antitrust laws or transparency about operations.
• Without proper compliance and enforcement, there is an advantage to non-compliance.

This section provides a variety of resources that can help municipalities see what opportunities and programs are available to make recycling and composting more convenient, cost-effective, and efficient. 

If you are a municipal resident, please reach out to your Town / City office for any questions on the information provided. If you are a municipal staff employee or a commercial entity working with waste disposal and you'd like to join in on SRPC waste disposal conversations, please email us at srpc@strafford.org.