PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Maine composting companies are importing waste as commercial composting slows in the state.
The Portland Press Herald reports companies like Agri-Cycle Energy expanded to Vermont and Massachusetts to collect more organic waste. Officials say there are fewer than 10 food waste collection companies in the state.
University of Maine economist Travis Blackmer says the absence of municipal collection programs has hurt businesses. Experts say Maine composting companies also lose out on commercial waste without laws that mandate places like restaurants and hospitals divert organic material.
Less than 25 percent of food waste in Maine is moved to compost. Waste company ecomaine estimates a regional collection system could capture over 20,000 tons of municipal and commercial food waste annually.
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Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com
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