Dive Brief:
- Environmental groups have released a report detailing short and long-term recommendations that the organization says will create jobs, improve the recycling rate in Boston and create millions in revenue.
- Boston's residential recycling rate has been stuck at 20% or less for years. It falls well below the national average for cities comparable in size.
- The group recommended creating a citywide "zero-waste" plan to move the city toward a goal of 90% diversion rate from landfills by 2040.
Dive Insight:
City data shows that Boston residents throw out 240,000 tons of waste annually. The group said Boston would have to rethink its waste, requiring a "systematic redesign of the flow of materials from our homes." It cited introducing organic waste collection as the only way to attain the 90% diversion rate goal. The coalition also remarked that recycling creates jobs, and recommended guaranteeing that city waste and recycling workers receive a living wage.