WasteWise is a voluntary program - sponsored nationally by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and in Massachusetts by the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) - designed to help private and public organizations work toward reductions in solid waste and select non-hazardous industrial wastes.  By participating in WasteWise, organizations not only improve their bottom line, but also the environment.

WasteWise is a flexible program that allows member organizations to set their own goals, design their own programs, and implement their own strategies to reduce waste - all in ways that are tailored to their specific needs. Participating organizations then report their results annually to EPA.

There is no fee for membership in the WasteWise program, and any organization in the United States may join. Large and small businesses from all industrial sectors are welcome to participate. Institutions such as hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, as well as state, local, and tribal governments, are also eligible.  See a list of current Massachusetts members.

Waste reduction makes good business sense because it can cut your organization's purchasing and waste disposal costs. WasteWise provides free technical assistance to help you develop, implement, and measure your waste reduction activities, and publicizes members' waste reduction success stories through regional and national publications, events, and awards.   

Through the WasteWise States Campaign, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) was the first state environmental agency in the country to partner with EPA in this effort. By joining WasteWise, you will be enrolled in both the national and state programs.

By joining WasteWise, your organization can:

• Participate in local and regional forums on waste reduction and recycling
• Gain public recognition for successful waste reduction efforts
• Network with other WasteWise member organizations
• Use the Massachusetts WasteWise logo to promote its environmental efforts
• Receive technical assistance from MassDEP waste reduction and recycling experts

Benefits of the national WasteWise program

Web site

List of current Massachusetts WasteWise members

Web page

Searchable Database of National WasteWise Members
Web site: EPA

MassDEP Technical Assistance

MassDEP has resources available to help Massachusetts WasteWise members establish food waste composting and waste reduction programs.  To learn more about technical assistance opportunities, contact Morgan Harriman at 617-654-6580 or morgan.harriman@state.ma.us

MassDEP sponsors periodic free WasteWise regional forums.  These networking opportunities are developed with and for WasteWise members, and are typically hosted by member organizations.  Forums are designed to provide members with timely waste reduction and recycling information that can help them meet their environmental goals.

Spring 2008 WasteWise Regional Forum

Food Waste Recycling: Ripe for the Picking!

Tuesday, June 10, 2008
The Westin Copley Place, Boston

Open to current and prospective WasteWise members.

Agenda & Registration Information
Web page

Fall 2007 WasteWise Regional Forum

The 3 R's of WasteWise: Reduction, Reporting & Recognition
MS Word 282 KB | PDF 64 KB

Spring 2007 WasteWise Regional Forum

Don't Waste Our Climate
MS Word 303 KB | PDF 50 KB

Fall 2006 WasteWise Regional Forum

Green Teams, Environmental Management Systems (EMS).
MS Word 346 KB | PDF 124 KB

Spring 2006 WasteWise Regional Forum

Green building design, surplus materials recycling, MassDEP waste reduction programs.
MS Word 1.1 MB | PDF 112 KB

Fall 2005 WasteWise Regional Forum

Construction & demolition debris
PDF 160 KB

Spring 2005 WasteWise Regional Forum

For current & prospective WasteWise partners
PDF 1.7 MB

Forums also provide an opportunity for WasteWise members to be publicly recognized for their efforts through the Massachusetts WasteWise Awards program.

MassDEP and EPA present annual leadership awards in recognition of significant waste reduction achievements by Massachusetts WasteWise member organizations.

State Award Winner News Releases & Photos

November 2007: Staples Inc. & Whole Foods Market
Web page

November 2006: Massachusetts Convention Center Authority
Web page

November 2005: Lemuel Shattuck Hospital & Raytheon Co.
MS Word 359 KB | PDF 100 KB

October 2004: Big Y Foods, Hannaford Bros., Roche Bros., Shaw's Supermarkets, Stop & Shop, Whole Foods
MS Word 121 KB | PDF 40 KB

June 2004: Consigli Construction Co.
MS Word 101 KB | PDF 37 KB

National Award Winners

Web site

Join WasteWise Now!

Signups go to EPA, but Massachusetts organizations are automatically enrolled in the state WasteWise program when they join.
Web site

Contact MassDEP for Additional Information

Morgan Harriman, Commercial Waste Reduction Planner
617-654-6580 or morgan.harriman@state.ma.us

List of current Massachusetts WasteWise members

Web site