Alfred, Maine, contracts with Ecomaine

The town of Alfred, Maine, has contracted with Ecomaine, Portland, Maine, for recycling and solid waste management services that began Nov. 1. 

Ecomaine’s single-stream recycling program allows Alfred residents to collect paper, cardboard, metal cans, glass bottles and jars and hard plastic containers Nos. 1-7 in a single container. The material will be transported to Ecomaine's material recovery facility in Portland for sorting and processing. 

Ecomaine CEO Kevin Roche says, “Signing on Alfred makes geographic sense, given its location nearby many other Ecomaine member communities. And by adding the town to Ecomaine’s membership base, we’re increasing the total amount of Maine materials that we’re able to divert from the solid waste stream. Recycling markets and prices are greatly improved from this time last year, and this material can be captured and turned into new materials while saving both landfill space and money.”

Ecomaine also is promoting educational outreach opportunities, such as classroom presentations, grants and contests for member communities. 

As part of the kick-off to the partnership, the town and Ecomaine will host an informational event Saturday, Nov. 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Alfred Transfer Station (79 Sanford Rd.). Ecomaine will give away a limited number of recycling bins, as well as educational resources about the new program.

“Education is a unique feature of Ecomaine’s programming in our member communities,” Communications Manager Matt Grondin says. “We look forward to providing our unique and robust educational outreach and programs in Alfred.”

Ecomaine is a member-owned, nonprofit recycling and waste-to-energy operation that serves one-third of Maine’s population in nearly 70 member communities. Ecomaine provides long-term solid waste solutions and works to raise public awareness of sustainable waste management strategies.