"a solution that meets multiple economic and environmental goals"

Changes in the food waste handling regulations talked of during the anaerobic digestion discussion last month have been formally announced.

If approved, the commercial food waste ban, drawn by the state Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), would take effect by July 1, 2014. 

Large institutions that dispose of at least one ton of organic waste per week must ship the food that cannot be donated or recycled to an anaerobic digester facility, composting operation or animal-feed operation, according to the proposal. 

Not included in the ban is residential food waste. 

In a statement, Rick Sullivan, the secretary of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, said: "Banning commercial food waste and supporting the development of (anaerobic digester) facilities across the commonwealth is critical to achieving our aggressive waste disposal reduction goals."

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x946751593/State-proposes-ban-on-commercial-food-waste#ixzz2YvEjlQBz

For more about the anaerobic digestion proposal discussed at the Town Council meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/anaerobic-digestion-tabled-in-franklin.html

For more about the anaerobic digestion proposal discussed at the Planning Board meeting
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2013/06/anaerobic-digestion-is-not-recommended.html