Wednesday May 3rd

10:00-11:00 AM Haulers Roundtable

We all know Vermont’s food waste recycling goals rely on haulers to transport materials from generators to destination facilities. Often overshadowed is the critical role haulers play in assuring the cleanliness and purity of organics entering the recycling system. This session covered the important part haulers play in screening source-separated food residuals, identified policies, tools, and resources for haulers to utilize with customers, and empowered haulers to play an engaged role. Q&A was encouraged and welcome! There was also time during this session for haulers to share their challenges and solutions for hauling food scraps and to learn from each other.

Presenters:

• Josh Kelly, ANR/DEC

• Ben Gauthier, ANR/DEC

• 00:00 Welcome to VORS 2023 from Natasha Duarte

• 2:45 Josh Kelly, ANR/DEC

• 3:30 Ben Gauthier, ANR/DEC

• 9:42 Josh Kelly, ANR/DEC

• 13:32 Shared resources

• 21:17 Q&A and discussion

• 36:30 More shared resources

• 39:39 Continued Q&A and discussion

• 46:30 Materials Management Map

• 49:04 Continued Q&A and discussion

Resources shared: download the below list of resources (pdf)

Regarding Hauling

• How to Collect Food Scraps

• Small Scale Food Scrap Hauling Budget Template

• Managing Food Scrap Carts in Bear Country

• Defining Food Residuals Banned From Disposal in the Trash 

• Universal Recycling Symbols, Bin Signage and other open source graphic files

• Materials Management Map (Interactive map with locations and details for Donation, Generators, Composters/ADs, Transfer Stations)

• VT Food Scrap Hauler list (slightly outdated, we’ll update soon!)

Resources that can be handed out to customers:

• Benefits of redirecting food scraps from landfills

• Frequently Asked Questions handouts for residents, businesses & institutions, landlords, condo associations, and resorts, hotels, and other lodging establishments

• Keep Compost Clean campaign and video

1:00-2:30 PM: Microplastics in composts, digestates, and food wastes: Findings from Vermont and beyond

This presentation provided an update on results from the recent studies in Vermont aimed at quantifying microplastic contamination in composts, digestates, and food wastes. The Vermont results were compared to findings from a broader literature review. They discussed measurement methodology and proposed a roadmap for linking science and policy to maximize the benefits of food waste diversion while minimizing the risk of microplastic pollution.

Presenters:

• Kate Porterfield, UVM

• Sarah Hobson, UVM

• 00:00 Welcome to VORS 2023 from Natasha Duarte

• 3:44 Project background

• 21:42 Research questions

• 23:27 Methods

• 28:25 Results & Implications

• 51:57 Q&A

Download the Microplastics in composts, digestates, and food wastes slide deck (pdf)

Resource shared:

• VT depackager stakeholder group webpage, including their report of recommendations and associated files

Special thanks to:

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