Hannaford Supermarkets Recognized by MassDEP and Industry Group for Recycling Efforts in Stores Throughout Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) today recognized Hannaford Supermarkets for certifying that comprehensive recycling programs exist in over 80 percent of their locations throughout Massachusetts. 

Through MassDEP's voluntary Supermarket Recycling Program Certification (SRPC), Hannaford Supermarkets demonstrated that over 80 percent of their locations in Massachusetts recycle cardboard, plastic stretch film, waxed cardboard and organic wastes such as spoiled fruits, vegetables, floral and deli wastes. Those locations also actively participate in a food donation programs.

Food, cardboard and bulk-packaging wastes account for up to 90 percent of the material that supermarkets have traditionally thrown away. The state is working to divert these items from disposal because they are easy to recycle and valuable to recyclers. Organic wastes, for example, can be composted into nutrient-rich soil products.

Commissioner Laurie Burt said MassDEP is proud of the success the SRPC has had over the past few years. "Supermarkets in Massachusetts have really gone above and beyond when it comes to waste reduction, recycling and environmental stewardship," she said. "We look forward to continuing to provide technical assistance to supermarkets that want to start new programs and encourage them to apply for certification. This program has become a national model for the supermarket industry."

The certification program, which began in 2005, was developed in partnership with the Massachusetts Food Association (MFA) in an effort to provide regulatory relief incentives for supermarkets.

Under Massachusetts law certain materials are banned from disposal including: paper and cardboard; glass, metal and plastic containers; leaves and yard waste; batteries; appliances; tires; cathode ray tubes; and construction and demolition debris. Waste loads found to contain these items are subject to enforcement.

Certified supermarket locations, are exempt from comprehensive inspections at disposal facilities. Having certified 80 percent of their stores, Hannaford has now achieved a chain-wide exemption for the remainder of their Massachusetts locations.

"Thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of Hannaford's associates, we have dramatically reduced our waste by recycling and composting," said Megan Hellstedt, Hannaford's Environmental Sustainability Manager. "Our long-standing recycling programs keep thousands of tons of waste out of landfills each year. By expanding our composting program in Massachusetts, unsold food that is not suited for donation to food banks is now recycled into a high quality compost, returning much-needed nutrients to the soil. Hannaford is proud to be participating in the MassDEP's program."

"We congratulate Hannaford Supermarkets in achieving over 80 percent of their locations as being certified under the Supermarket Recycling Program Certification," said Chris Flynn, President of the Massachusetts Food Association. "The progress the supermarket industry has made with SRPC has been both rewarding and exciting. We encourage all supermarkets to look at the great environmental, business, and community benefits of participating in the SRPC program."

The certified Hannaford Supermarket stores participating in the supermarket recycling program are located in: Chelmsford, Clinton, Dracut, Easton, Hudson, Kingston, Leominster, Lowell, Lunenburg, Marlborough, Middleboro, Milford, North Quincy, Norwell, Norwood, Taunton, Townsend, Waltham, and West Peabody.

Over 185 supermarkets statewide are diverting organic wastes through either composting or use as animal feed. Certification of individual stores has grown to 81 and includes Roche Bros., Shaw's Supermarkets and Whole Foods Market.

MassDEP is responsible for ensuring clean air and water, safe management and recycling of solid and hazardous wastes, timely cleanup of hazardous waste sites and spills, and the preservation of wetlands and coastal resources.

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