Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1469633
15 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | June 6, 2022 team by the end of the year. Blue Earth is also looking to add composting equipment in Hartford to increase its food-scrap processing capabilities. An application with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) for a composting unit that could process up to 25 tons of food scraps per month is in technical review, according to the agency, with approval expected in coming weeks. "They're an innovative business with a social consciousness that's providing a critical service when Connecticut needs it most," said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "They're a great example of a company right here in Hartford that's been scaling up a food-scrap collection program for residents." Financial sense The subject of removing food waste from the trash stream has also made its way into the state's political landscape. Last spring, the General Assembly voted to require businesses that generate 26 tons or more of food scraps to divert them for recycling. Diverting food waste not only helps the environment, Dykes said, but makes sense from a financial standpoint as well. For example, MIRA's tipping fees, or the fee paid to dispose of waste in a landfill, have risen 40% over the last five years, she said, to $111 per ton. In contrast, Dykes added, Quantum charges $65 per ton to manage organic waste. "That's a significant savings on tip fees. At the same time, it's a great environmental story," she said. "It makes all the sense in the world, environmentally and economically, to be scaling up organic diversion." Middletown city officials have noticed a cost savings and trash reduction since it began working with Blue Earth last January, according to city Recycling Coordinator Kim O'Rourke. The city awarded Blue Earth a contract through an RFP process to help with Middletown's Feed the Earth initiative. Using Blue Earth was less expensive than a traditional waste hauler, she added, and the program allowed downtown Middletown restaurants to compost food scraps instead of throwing them away. During the program's first year, 132.4 tons of food scraps from 45 different restaurants have been hauled by Blue Earth and diverted from the city's trash stream. "It's really the biggest jump in recycling we've had in years. There's huge potential there," said O'Rourke. "If we could capture the food from the waste stream, that would really help us solve the waste crisis." With more than two dozen towns already exiting their contracts with MIRA, King said Blue Earth wants to be ready to help fill the gap. "Trash is just a lack of imagination," said King. "It's a lack of creativity on the part of the system." Intimate knowledge of the local business community. kbushey@centrevillebank.com 860.928.6501 x3072 EQUAL HOUSING LENDER | NMLS#402947 | MEMBER FDIC Kim Bushey Senior Vice President CT Commercial Market Head Centreville-38222 Revised ad_HBJ_10x325_Kim Bushey.indd 1 Centreville-38222 Revised ad_HBJ_10x325_Kim Bushey.indd 1 11/9/21 1:38 PM 11/9/21 1:38 PM DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes ELIZABETH HAMILTON CT MIRROR Statewide Waste Composition Connecticut generates about 2.4 million tons of trash annually. Here's a breakdown of what makes up that trash stream. 23.10% Paper 22.30% Food waste 12.50% Other waste 11.90% C&D debris 11.80% Plastic 11.10% Other organics 3.50% Metal 2.50% Glass 0.50% Electronics 0.07% Household hazardous waste Source: 2015 STATEWIDE WASTE CHARACTERIZATION STUDY