The Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published a comprehensive report on the sources, quantity, quality, location, and types of food waste across the state. The Food Loss and Waste Generation Study was commissioned by the DEP with funds from the state and U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program.
The report finds that with organic waste making over 40% of the state’s solid waste, approximately 361,000 tons of food becomes waste each year in Maine. In the study, food recovery organizations point to the potential to recover 43,000 tons of edible surplus food annually that would put a significant dent in food loss and waste and help address food insecurity.
The study serves as a reference for waste management policymaking in the state. In addition, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management will help the DEP evaluate potential greenhouse gas emissions impacts associated with food waste management.
