Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions

Researchers Explore the Challenge of Solid Waste Management in Maine

Often hidden from both sight and mind, solid waste is a complex and cross‐cutting sustainability challenge in Maine. Researchers at UMaine are exploring sustainable options that address long-term environmental, social and financial concerns as solid waste accumulates at a clip.

Cindy Isenhour, Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology, is leading a team of researchers to explore sustainable options for materials and waste management in the state of Maine. Their project includes collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders, such as waste haulers, landfill operators, municipalities, regulators and legislators.

Working on a year-long project with the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions, Isenhour and colleagues are engaged with stakeholders all over the state to identify cost effective, fair and environmentally sound strategies to prevent the waste of valuable resources. Materials recovery, reduction of organic waste in landfills and many other sustainability-related topics are part of the discussion. For example, a lot of common throwaways, like metals and compostable organics, can be reused, benefitting both the state’s economy and the environment.

Said Isenhour of the current materials management system: “We lose a lot of wealth this way, not to mention the jobs that could be created if we had stronger investments in and incentives for materials recovery.”

Among the top objectives of this project

• Publish a historical review of waste in Maine including previously implemented programs.

• Create an iterative process for stakeholder interaction and solution development.

• Work with stakeholders to assess the costs and benefits of alternative solutions.

• Based on feedback, work with stakeholders to design pilot projects.

• Conduct policy analyses of waste reduction legislation in other states

“At this stage in the process we are facilitating meetings around the state and listening. In the future our role will transition as we begin to fill knowledge gaps and conduct analyses of policy alternatives,” Isenhour said.