EPA Recognizes WasteWise Award Winners for Innovations in Waste Reduction
Two New England entities in Connecticut and Massachusetts win a national award and one entity in New Hampshire is recognized regionally
BOSTON (January 28, 2022) – Today, EPA recognized the WasteWise national data award winners for 2020 and 2021 that prevented and diverted close to 410,000 tons of waste that would otherwise be disposed of in landfills or incinerators, contributing to climate change. Instead, these entities saved close to $23 million in avoided tipping fees and prevented climate change and other environmental impacts.
In New England, our 29 WasteWise partners prevented or diverted 196,705 tons of waste from being disposed of in landfills or incinerators.
"Innovation, courage, and knowledge to overcome pandemic-related challenges are the cornerstones of the WasteWise award winners," said EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan. "Their actions to creatively develop and implement solutions to reduce waste during a global health crisis contributed to reducing the pollution that's fueling climate change, while helping conserve natural resources."
"Congratulations to the WasteWise award winners in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire," said Acting EPA Regional Administrator Deb Szaro. "These awardees have proven that sustainable materials management yields measurable reductions of waste going to landfills or incinerators."
As one of EPA's longest-running voluntary programs, WasteWise celebrated its 27th year in 2021. Over the years, WasteWise partners across the country have prevented and diverted close to 249 million tons of waste from landfills and incinerators, preventing more than 488 million tons of associated greenhouse gas emissions, and saving close to $13.7 billion in avoided landfill tipping fees.
EPA recognizes WasteWise partners in several data categories that report the best overall improvement in waste prevention and recycling activities when compared to the previous year. This year, EPA also recognizes winners in narrative categories who achieved exemplary waste reductions in their organizations and businesses. The WasteWise award winners achieved noteworthy accomplishments, such as reprocessing N95 respirators, implementing Sustainable Purchasing Guidelines at a university, and reusing shipping containers for return trips to avoid waste. Read about these accomplishments and other WasteWise award winners at www.epa.gov/smm/wastewise#AwardsandAwardWinners.
WasteWise National Winner in Connecticut
- 2020 Waste Wise National Data Award, Tribal Government Category: Partner of the Year: Mohegan Tribe of Indians of Connecticut (Uncasville, CT)
WasteWise National Winners in Massachusetts
- 2020 WasteWise National Data Award, Non-profit Organization Category: Partner of the Year: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA)
- 2021 WasteWise National Narrative Award, Non-profit Organization Category: Partner of the Year: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA)
- 2021 Green Innovator Award: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (Boston, MA)
WasteWise New England Regional Winner in New Hampshire
- 2020 WasteWise New England Regional Award: 2020 – Hypertherm (Hanover, Lebanon and W. Lebanon, NH)