Shows
MassRecycle PodcastEpisode 53: Putting Our Best Foot Forward: Reducing the Environmental Impact of ShoesShoes are not just an item of clothing; they are our main form of transportation. In this episode, Gretchen and Waneta welcome Dr. Yuly Fuentes, Project Manager for Fiber Technologies at MIT and Program Director of the MIT Climate Project, to talk about shoes and sustainability. Did you know that over 23 billion pairs of shoes are produced annually across the globe? Or that Massachusetts has long been a nexus for the global shoe industry? Dr. Fuentes takes us through her work addressing the sustainability issues caused by shoe manufacture and disposal. Her initiatives include The Footwear Collective, a group of le...
2025-07-0737 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 52: Cell Phones for SoldiersIn this episode, we spotlight Cell Phones for Soldiers, a nonprofit that’s been bridging the digital divide for over 20 years. With 10,000 devices collected monthly from unique sources like MBTA lost and founds, funeral homes, and municipalities, they give forgotten phones a second life – connecting veterans and active-duty military members with vital communication tools. Learn how their R2-certified facility safely refurbishes devices, deletes sensitive data, and supports 1,300 veterans with subsidized phones – aiming to reach 30,000 in the coming years. Discover how you can get involved at cellphonesforsoldiers.com or by emailing Rob@cellphonesforsoldiers.com. Reuse, reconnect, and make a differ...
2025-05-0134 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 51: The Hidden Carbon Cost: How Our Stuff Fuels Climate Change—And What We Can Do About ItIn this episode of the MassRecycle Podcast, Waneta and Gretchen are joined by MassRecycle Board member and former NEWMOA Executive Director Terri Goldberg and Dave Allaway a senior policy analyst in the Materials Management Program at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Together, they explore the importance of comprehensive, carbon-based emissions inventories—highlighting why we must account for the carbon impact of goods beyond state lines. The conversation emphasizes the need for thorough accounting and actionable solutions, focusing on reducing emissions through smarter purchasing choices and consuming less. This topic coincides with the release of the MassRecycle White Pa...
2025-03-0655 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 50: Disaster Debris ManagementIn this episode Waneta and Gretchen are joined by John Fischer, Deputy Division Director for Solid Waste Materials Management at MassDEP, and Delia Camacho, a Vice President at AshBritt. A disaster management plan is something every municipality needs, but is also something that gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Delay no longer: You need a plan. In this episode you will get guidance, resources, and the jump start you need to put together a plan for your municipality. The post Episode 50: Disaster Debris Management first appeared on MassRecycle.
2024-12-0437 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 49: An Insider’s View with Mary Ann RemoladorIn this episode, Waneta and Gretchen sit down with Mary Ann Remolador, of the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC), to discuss her decades of experience in waste reduction and recycling. Mary Ann shares her insights on the evolution of recycling programs across the Northeast and the role of NERC in advancing sustainable materials management. Tune in for a deep dive into the intricacies of recycling with one of the field’s most experienced leaders.The post Episode 49: An Insider’s View with Mary Ann Remolador first appeared on MassRecycle.
2024-10-1635 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 48: Vaping Device DisposalWaneta and Gretchen are joined by Jan Ameen, Executive Director of the Franklin County Solid Waste Management District to discuss her research into what to do with vape devices. Complicated regulatory issues surround the components of these devices, from controlled substance concerns to battery disposal issues. We usually talk about recycling, but some vape devices have no end point whatsoever. When there is nowhere to put something, it goes into the waste stream and the inherent dangers are put on the waste workers. What do we do with these devices at the end of life? The answers are not st...
2024-07-2426 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 47: Organics Diversion in K-12 SchoolsWaneta and Gretchen are joined by Gail Sowerder Garron, Regional Planner for MassDEP, and Alison Beucler, Sanitation and Hazardous Material Program Manager for the City of Somerville, to discuss food waste diversion in K-12 schools. Food waste contributes significantly to the overall waste generated by schools. Discover the successes and challenges of existing programs, ranging from administrative initiatives to student-led efforts. There’s no single approach to starting a program, and you will learn from their experiences and access resources for your district.
If you are a volunteer or school employee, reach out to gail.garron@mass.go...
2024-05-0138 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 46: Contracting for Zero Waste11/16/22 — Boston, Massachusetts Center for Computing & Data Sciences at sundown Nov 16.Photo by Cydney Scott for Boston University Photography
Waneta and Gretchen are joined by Sarah Healey, MassRecycle Board member and Zero Waste Manager at Boston University, to discuss building your Zero Waste goals into your contracts. Sarah has been on both sides of the waste contract, previously working for Casella Waste Systems. To work toward 90% diversion, BU has implemented Resource Management Contracting, a system that incentivizes waste reduction over time. Learn how to build your sustainability goals into your contracts, how to get buy-in from all par...
2024-03-0746 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 45: Why Can’t I Recycle This?Waneta and Gretchen answer the perennial question “Why can’t I recycle this?”. Recycling is a commodity, and not only does it need to be collected and sorted, someone needs to want to buy it. To understand what is recyclable and what is not, it is important to understand the system: Who has access to recycling? How are those items sorted? How much of it is collected? What materials have an end market where they are given a second life as a new product? If you have been wondering what happens to your recycling, or you want to answer your frie...
2024-02-0850 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 44: Recycling Programming in Multilingual CommunitiesWaneta and Gretchen are joined by Jessica Camarena, City of New Bedford Recycling Coordinator, and Rosanna Deldosario, City of Lawrence Recycling Coordinator, to discuss their work to make recycling more accessible to residents. Both of their positions extend past recycling into waste reduction, education, and outreach. Establishing school programming, informing landlords, and providing materials in multiple languages are just some of the strategies that have contributed to outstanding advances toward sustainability in these two communities. All of this and more in this episode of the MassRecycle Podcast.The post Episode 44: Recycling Programming in Multilingual Communities first appeared o...
2024-01-1153 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 43: Unveiling the Invisible: PFAS and CompostEmbark on a revealing journey as Gretchen, Waneta, and Andrew Brousseau of Black Earth Compost delve into PFAS. Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances, or PFAS, is a group of human-made chemicals found in countless everyday items that has permeated our daily lives for decades. Learn about the sources of PFAS, the challenges this group of substances presents to waste disposal, and the broader environmental impacts. Stay tuned for insights into recent advances in regulating PFAS in compostables, including the success story of Black Earth Compost. Get informed, stay engaged, and discover how positive changes are reshaping our relationship with this p...
2023-10-0434 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 42: Demolition vs. Deconstruction: Careful Practices for a Sustainable FutureWoodbridge Project Team at Rockland Psychiatric Center demolition. Future Data Center. Photo Credit: STO Building Group
Join Waneta and Gretchen as they delve into deconstruction and mercury with Mike Orbank from STO Building Group and Danielle Myers of the Thermostat Recycling Corporation. Ever wondered about the environmental impact of construction waste? Embodied carbon vs emissions? Curious about how we can make a difference through strategic choices? Explore the paradigm shift from traditional demolition to the meticulous art of deconstruction. Tune in to discover the power of careful planning, material separation, the ingenious reclamation of off c...
2023-08-2939 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 41: Make Paper out of Paper: Johnny GoldRecycling legend Johnny Gold joins Waneta and Gretchen to talk paper recycling – where it all began and how we got here. Have you ever wondered how paper drives earn money? How did paper recycling start? What happens to the paper you throw in your bin? There is an entire industry behind that paper in your bin and how it becomes that hardcover book or that brown paper towel. Find out how it all works and what you can do to help make paper out of paper on this episode of the MassRecycle podcast.
Thank you to Good Point...
2023-08-0959 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 40: Sustainability on Campus: 2023 EditionIn this episode, Waneta and Gretchen are joined by four experts who have dedicated their careers to reducing waste and promoting sustainability on college campuses. Laurie Simmons of UMass Amherst, Sue Higgins of Northeastern University, Sarah Healey of Boston University, and Rob Gogan, retired from Harvard, share their insights on waste reduction, recycling, and creative reuse programs. Join us as we explore the innovative programs and initiatives that are creating a culture of environmental responsibility that is making a difference on college campuses in Massachusetts.The post Episode 40: Sustainability on Campus: 2023 Edition first appeared on MassRecycle.
2023-04-251h 01MassRecycle PodcastEpisode 39: The Recycling Miracle: MassDEP’s RecycleSmartIn 2018, China National Sword cut off imports of foreign recyclables and brought recycling in the US to a screeching halt. In Massachusetts, MassDEP created RecycleSmart: the one stop resource to turn the Wild Wild West of recycling collections into material streams that could be processed domestically.
Janice Paré, Municipal Recycling Analyst at MassDEP, talks with Waneta and Gretchen about the endless resource that is RecycleSmart and its Recyclopedia. Is your recycling actually being recycled? Yes, you can even see where it goes by zip code! What gets in the way of recycling, and what poses a danger to the...
2023-02-2140 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 38: An Insider’s View of Recycling, Solid Waste, and Pollution Prevention.Pull up a chair and join Gretchen and Waneta in conversation with Terri Goldberg. Terri has had an extensive career in recycling, solid waste, and pollution prevention. She is retiring from her role as Executive Director of the Northeast Waste Management Officials’ Association (NEMOWA). Join us for this unique opportunity to venture into her decades of knowledge.
Misinformation about plastics: how did we get here? Eco anxiety. Obstacles to recycling progress. PFAS, toxics, and their role in circularity. We talk about it all, in this episode.The post Episode 38: An Insider’s View of Recycling, Solid Waste...
2023-01-1840 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 37: Lithium Batteries: Blowing Up!Lithium batteries are exploding in popularity, and literally exploding. Gretchen and Waneta welcome Stan Walczak, Rob Gogan, and Dave Ditata, to discuss the dangers of batteries in the waste stream. Stan Walczak is Facility Manager of ReSource Waste Services, Rob Gogan is retired Recycling and Waste Services Manager for Harvard University, and Dave Ditata is Fuel Superintendent at SEMASS Covanta. Each share their unique experience with these incendiary devices in the waste world.
Lithium ion batteries can erupt and burn violently if punctured. This is incredibly dangerous for anyone in the waste industry. Despite the dramatic hazard that rechargeable batteries pos...
2022-12-0659 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 36: Simplify the Holidays & Reduce Waste – a Re-Release for 2022Gretchen and Waneta talk with Kelley Dennings of the Center for Biological Diversity about simplifying the holidays and reducing waste. They discuss top holiday waste generators, alternative gift ideas, hosting and decorating, the role of public policy, and the perceived barriers to celebrating with fewer material items. Should you buy a fake or real Christmas tree? Is wrapping paper recyclable? All this and more, in this lively conversation.
Find Kelley Dennings at kdennings@biologicaldiversity.org
Great ideas, tools, and information can be found at https://simplifytheholidays.orgThe post Episode 36: Simplify the Holidays...
2022-11-1636 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 35: Textile RecyclingThe MassDEP Waste Disposal Bans are quickly approaching, and MassRecycle has resources for you. In this episode, Waneta and Gretchen interview four textile vendors that take used items and recycle, upcycle, repurpose, or divert them for reuse. Epilepsy Foundation New England, Helpsy, Baystate Textiles, and CMRK, Inc each have a unique operating model that allows them to divert materials from the waste stream while giving back to the communities they serve. The post Episode 35: Textile Recycling first appeared on MassRecycle.
2022-10-1259 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 34: The Mining Act of 1872: still enforced and even worse than you thinkRobin Ingethron and Aaron Mintzes join Waneta and Gretchen to discuss the Mining Act of 1872. This historic push to populate the West with white settlers continues to subsidize extraction and while making it nearly impossible to legally limit mining. Robin Ingethron is CEO of Good Point Recycling and founder of Fair Trade Recycling. Aaron Mintzes Senior Policy Counsel at Earthworks. Both work to educate the public and reform policy that harms people and the environment.
Recycling is in direct opposition to mining; reuse of materials rather than extraction of virgin materials. Yet, misinformation has convinced many that rec...
2022-07-2652 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 33: Upcycle. Reuse. Divert. Creative Waste Reduction with the Old Stone MillThis week Leni Fried joins Waneta and Gretchen to talk about the creative projects piloted by the Old Stone Mill Zero Waste Maker Space. Leni and her partner, Mike Augspurger, founded the Old Stone Mill as a community space for creative reuse, to divert materials from the waste stream, and make repair projects accessible. Leni talks about their partnerships with local businesses to divert waste through upcycling, creative reuse, and connecting materials that would be discarded with people that have use for them. These projects are just the tip of the Zero Waste Maker Space iceberg; find out about all...
2022-07-0837 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 32: Pet Peeves & Reasons for Hope from the Solid Waste WorldThis episode is what we all need right now: reasons for hope from the world of solid waste, and also some commiserating with your fellow materials management professionals. MassRecycle board members join Waneta and Gretchen to share their pet peeves, serious concerns, and reasons to be hopeful about the future of solid waste. Have you been feeling the need to see that proverbial silver lining? Would you rather have a little commiseration? Do you want some insight into the world of materials that just “go away”? Listen now and get the behind the scenes view, and maybe a little sympathy...
2022-05-171h 03MassRecycle PodcastEpisode 31: Urban ExchangePhoto credit: Eater Boston
This week Audrey Ng and Mike Orr join Waneta and Gretchen to explore sidewalk exchange, and the growing movement of community “Freedges”, around Boston.
Audrey is the Water and Sustainability Project Manager for the Boston Public Schools District and organizer with the South End Community Fridge. Mike is the Recycling Director for the City of Cambridge. They discuss neighborhood sidewalk exchange as a viable method to divert durable goods from the waste stream, and direct them into the hands of people that can use them. Community “Freedges” are a form of mutual aid...
2022-04-2741 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 30: Mattress RecyclingIn light of the upcoming 2022 mattress waste ban, Waneta and Gretchen interview MassRecycle member organizations UTEC, HandUp and Green Mattress about their mattress recycling programs. Waneta also discusses the role of Extended Producer Responsibility in this issue, and the potential for new legislation. The post Episode 30: Mattress Recycling first appeared on MassRecycle.
2022-03-0936 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 29: Recycling RomanceIn this Valentine’s Day special episode, Gretchen and Waneta, with the help of Board member Rob Gogan, interview three couples who found each other while following their passion for waste diversion.The post Episode 29: Recycling Romance first appeared on MassRecycle.
2022-02-0331 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 28: Simplify the Holidays & Reduce WasteGretchen and Waneta talk with Kelley Dennings of the Center for Biological Diversity about simplifying the holidays and reducing waste. They discuss top holiday waste generators, alternative gift ideas, hosting and decorating, the role of public policy, and the perceived barriers to celebrating with fewer material items. Should you buy a fake or real Christmas tree? Is wrapping paper recyclable? All this and more, in this lively conversation.
Find Kelley Dennings at kdennings@biologicaldiversity.org
Great ideas, tools, and information can be found at https://simplifytheholidays.org
2021-12-0236 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 27: Reuse at The Great Exchange in DevensGretchen and Waneta talk with Dona Neely of The Great Exchange in Devens, Mass about their amazing reuse program there. Business clean outs and manufacturing extras turn into resources for non-profits, schools, teachers, and daycares.
2021-11-1647 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 26: Gleaning: Saving and Sharing FoodGretchen and Waneta talk with Paul Franceschi of the Boston Area Gleaners about gleaning: the harvesting of surplus farm crops to preventing waste and expand local food access. Paul talks about their work and how they were able to help when the world needed it most in 2020.
2021-09-2821 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 25: Sustainability on CampusLearn about existing programs and new ways to help make colleges and universities become more sustainable. Gretchen and Waneta talk with Alex Freid, founder of the Post-Landfill Action Network (PLAN), In 2013 Alex and his fellow college students witnessed a systemic waste problem on their campus and developed the first student-led, financially self-sustaining Zero Waste move-out program of its kind. Other campuses wanted to replicate the program and from there, PLAN was born. Years later, out of PLAN, the ATLAS Zero Waste plan was created. Hear from Williams College student fellows Rika Nakato and Lauren Lynch as they discuss the ongoi...
2021-08-021h 02MassRecycle PodcastEpisode 24: Our Stormwater System: the Catch-all for WasteGretchen and Waneta learn all about the stormwater system and its many intersections of waste management from MassDEP pro Laura Schifman. More info here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stormwater
2021-06-2951 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 23: Maximizing Diversion: The Island of NantucketGretchen and Waneta interview Graeme Durovich, Recycling and Solid Waste Coordinator on the Island of Nantucket about the specific challenges of creating waste on an island. They cover special rules, litter issues, seasonal changes, and other topics that make Nantucket a unique waste environment. Nantucket-ma.gov/242/solid-waste-recycling
2021-05-1341 min
MassRecycle PodcastEpisode 22: How to recycle plastic bags: The Trex StoryIn MA, bags do not belong in the bin, but there is a system for recycling them. Gretchen and Waneta learn all about how plastic bags can find a second life as composite lumber during this interview with Stephanie Hicks from Trex.com Wondering if your local grocery store is really collecting for recycling? Tune in- there is a list available to the public!
The post Episode 22: How to recycle plastic bags: The Trex Story first appeared on MassRecycle.
2021-03-3135 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 21: A Regional Perspective of COVID on the Recycling LandscapeGretchen and Waneta are joined by Reagan Bissonnette of the NRRA (Northeast Resource Recovery Association) to talk about the effect of Covid 19 on recyclable material, the recycling industry, and the commodities markets.
2021-03-0434 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 20: CET’s Free Resources for Waste Reduction and Energy ConservationGretchen and Waneta interview Khrysti Smyth Barry from the Center for EcoTechnology about their many free resources available to businesses and property managers. Learn about opportunities for guidance and helpful tools to recycle more, lower food waste, save energy, and conserve water on this podcast and at www.RecyclingWorksMA.com
2021-02-0956 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 19: Big Oil and Plastics Recycling: The Rest of the StoryRecently the media has pointed out the connection between Big Oil and recycling, leaving you to believe that recycling is a scam. Guest speakers from Preserve, Rehrig Pacific, and GreenLabs Recycling explain how the industry has come a long way since then.
2020-12-091h 08MassRecycle PodcastEpisode 18: Things your Waste-To-Energy Facility does Not WantGretchen and Waneta get into the weeds with Patti Howard from Covanta, discussing unusual opportunities for reuse and diversion as well as things that really shouldn't go to a waste-to-energy facility.
2020-11-1949 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 17: Community Relations from a Municipal PerspectiveGretchen and Waneta talk to former Board Member, Phil Goddard about community relations from a municipal perspective.
2020-10-2245 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 16: Compostable dishware, biodegradable plastic, and avoiding greenwashingGretchen and Waneta talk with Board member Deb Darby about compostable dishware, the real meaning of the term "biodegradable", and the most sustainable way to run a Zero Waste event while avoiding greenwashing. Learn more from Biodegradable Products Institute.
2020-10-0635 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 15: Recycling Bin RejectsGretchen and Waneta discuss recent changes for recycling in Massachusetts: what doesn't go in, and what no longer goes in, and why. The conversation is based on www.RecycleSmartMA.org, the statewide guidelines for recycling in MA.
2020-08-2631 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 14: Digging Deep into CompostingGretchen and Waneta invite MassDEP's Ann McGovern back to talk all about home composting.
2020-07-1355 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 13: Overview: All About Food WasteGretchen and Waneta talk about the many food waste systems: how they work, where it goes, what it becomes, and how to successfully set up a system that works for you (and your organization).
2020-06-1247 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 12: Architectural Reuse: EcoBuilding BargainsKatherine Butler from the Center for EcoTechnology joins Waneta and Gretchen to talk about the coolest new opportunity for reusing and buying salvaged building materials. https://ecobuildingbargains.org/
2020-06-1227 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 11: All About MassRecycleGretchen and Waneta do a deep dive on MassRecycle: the Board, the focus, and recent changes, as well as new offerings and opportunities for members.
2020-06-1226 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 10: Recycling in Schools: Join the Green Team!An in-depth interview with MassDEP's Ann McGovern about the Green Team and recycling in K-12 schools: resources, curricula, and success stories. Check it out at https://thegreenteam.org/
2020-06-1239 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 9: Collaborating with the MMAGretchen and Waneta interview Ariela Lovett from the Massachusetts Municipal Association and discuss recycling, trash, and extended producer responsibility.
2020-06-1237 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 8: RecycleSmart: One Year LaterIn August of 2018, MassDEP worked with Massachusetts'recycling facilities to create a state-wide streamlined recycling message. Gretchen and Waneta discuss the roll-out and ways to encourage further adoption.
2020-06-1226 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 7: Plastics: the Good, the Bad, and the UglyGretchen and Waneta do a deep dive on plastics: what they are, what they get used for, and where they are going. Also, why replacing them may not be as simple as it sounds.
2020-06-1241 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 6: Litter Clean Up with Keep Massachusetts BeautifulGretchen and Waneta interview Keep Massachusetts Beautiful's Executive Director Neil Rhein about the small but mighty volunteer army keeping public spaces beautiful in MA. Steps to run a successful clean-up day of your own, and the role the state plays in controlling litter.
2020-06-1243 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 5: Curbside OrganicsGretchen and Waneta interview Michael Orr, Recycling Director of the City of Cambridge, who spearheaded the effort to launch a citywide organics pickup program after 4 years of pilots.
2020-06-1231 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 4: Behind the Scenes: Glass RecyclingWe discuss the difficulties of processing glass in the single stream systems, and Mike Durfor, Executive Director of the NRRA (Northeast Resource Recovery Association www.NRRA.net) gives us insight on alternatives for the beneficial use of glass.
2020-06-1238 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 3: The Recycling Crisis: Origin StoryGretchen and Waneta give an in-depth look at how the recycling industry evolved over the decades, leading us to the current crisis.
2020-06-1235 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 2: Can Laws Improve Recycling?An interview with Claire Galkowski, the Director of the South Shore Recycling Cooperative, and Former Executive Director Edward Hsieh from MassRecycle. We cover the history of recycling advocacy in MA, and a primer on how to change recycling laws in MA. More information at www.ssrcoop.info.
2020-06-1234 minMassRecycle PodcastEpisode 1: Recycling Costs More Now, and Here’s WhyA look at the 2018 global recycling crisis, caused by the movement known as the China National Sword, and how its impacts have been felt by municipal and commercial stakeholders alike in MA.
2020-06-1216 min