MCCA Organics & Composting Initiatives

MCCA FACILITIES

Getting Started The Authority recognized long ago the wasteful nature of the Convention Industry. Attempted several traditional recycling plans over its history. Aggressively implemented a comprehensive recycling plan in 2006 which included composting and organics. Jointly with the DEP and EPA, MCCA diverted food product from the waste stream through composting and charitable donations.

Program Enhancements Additional program refinement came in July of 08’ with an MCCA / Save That Stuff partnership. Authority diverted over 120 tons of organic materials in calendar year 08’. Additionally the Authority donated over 8 tons of food product to local charitable organizations from the 450,000 plus meals it served in 08’.

Program Enhancements Hynes Composting was added in 2009’. Authority properties diverted over 257 tons of organic materials in Fiscal Year 2012’. In the five year period 2008 through 2012, the MCCA has diverted 1.6 million pounds of organic materials back to the environment. The MCCA is currently developing a program for the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield.

4 Main Sources of Organic Materials The largest contributor of organic material is the cutoffs or remnants from preparation of meals. The next largest source will be the compostable service ware that the diner will discard. The Authority has committed with Levy Restaurants, its food provider, to utilize compostable materials for all its packaging, plates and cutlery service.

4 Main Sources of Organic Materials The third source of diverted materials is the excess meals or product donated directly to local charities. The final source of organic materials is the vegetation and plant material left from events that are now composted or donated.

Typical Compost Scenario Food cutoffs and remnants are collected in the preparation of the meals. The collected materials are transported to a collection area along with the diners compostable materials on the loading dock. Save That Stuff collects the materials via a street packer truck to be transported to a composting facility such as Brick Ends Farm. Brick Ends then mixes the material with other organic materials such as brush etc. to form composting wind rows. These wind rows through a series of turning and decomposing will become organic compost which will then be sold to the local landscape contractors.

MCCA Continued Expansion The MCCA continues to set significant goal increases in all aspects that can be termed Green Initiatives, such as composting in public areas. The Authority is committed to be a leader in the Convention Industry to reduce the environmental impact of each and every convention.