Goal:
To achieve "zero waste" (90% waste diverted from the waste stream) by 2050 through single stream recycling, diverting organic waste, minimizing single-use plastics and enhancing a circular sharing economy.
Programs & Policies:
In July 2018, South Portland rolled out an opt-in citywide food waste recycling program available to all residents in the city. By diverting food waste from the landfill, this program helps to ensure that excess food is better used to nourish people, animals, industries, and soils.
The City of South Portland and ecomaine are working together to address high residential recycling contamination through a summer tagging and education program. This program first launched as a pilot in the Redbank Community in 2018 and has since grown to several neighborhoods throughout the city.
Let's Take It a Step Further!
Our office is approaching this challenge with humility and using it as an opportunity to recognize the difficulty or getting rid of plastics from our lives, find what areas of our lives are defendant on single use plastics, and learn best practices from each other. Read stories from residents on their plastic free experiences. Is it July already? Take the pledge to be plastic free.
The ultimate goal of a Zero Waste Event is to divert 90% or more of trash from the landfill through purposeful purchasing, recycling and composting. While this may seem like a lofty goal, the City is making strides to achieve it.
How do I know...
What can be recycled? When trash and recycling are collected? What I can donate and where? How to dispose of things that can't go in the trash?
Download the "South Portland Recycles" App to answer all of your questions:
Get it at the App Store I Get it on Google Play
Visit the Public Works webpage
Take our Food Waste/Recycling Survey!
South Portland is exploring different options for recycling and food waste collection. Fill out our online survey to tell us what you think.
Take the Survey
