**--- PRESS RELEASE ---
"For Immediate Release"

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Maine DEP Unveils Findings from Statewide Waste Characterization Study

 

*AUGUSTA, February 3, 2026* — The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced the release of a comprehensive statewide waste characterization study.  Funded entirely through the USEPA's Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant program, the study provides detailed data on the composition of Maine’s waste stream.

Understanding what materials are most common in the waste stream makes it possible to target specific materials for waste prevention or diversion in alignment with Maine’s food recovery [ [link removed] ] and solid waste management [ [link removed] ] hierarchies. 

The report also establishes a baseline of Maine’s waste composition that can be used to measure the progress of future waste reduction initiatives and directly supports the development of Maine’s Materials Management Plan, which will be updated in 2029.

Conducted by MSW Consultants, the methodology of the study included a variety of rigorous assessments such as disposal facility gate surveys, hand sorting, and sampling of municipal solid waste. The study also incorporated visual surveys of construction and demolition debris, a residential food scrap management survey, a food scrap transporter survey, and an in-depth review of facility reports. Recognizing the importance of seasonal variation, surveys were conducted throughout the summer and fall.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to all participating facilities and municipalities," said Melanie Loyzim, DEP Commissioner. "Their collaboration has been invaluable in helping us understand our waste stream more comprehensively and will inform our future waste management strategies."

The full report is available on the Department Reports webpage [ [link removed] ].



"For additional information, contact":

David R. Madore, Deputy Commissioner

[email protected] [ link ]






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