Nantucket is a small island 30 miles south of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. It is only 105.3 square miles in size, with 47 square miles of land and 57.5 square miles of water.

According to U.S. Census data, some 14,255 people call Nantucket home, but since it is a tourist Mecca, the population often swells during the warm summer months.

Everyone who lives or visits Nantucket contributes to the island's refuse woes.

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Keep Massachusetts Beautiful says, "In 2022, the average household in Massachusetts threw away about 1,368 pounds of trash." That's a lot of rubbish!

Have you ever wondered how an island the size of Nantucket disposes of its trash?

The Nantucket Currant says, "Currently, only 10 percent of the trash that comes into the municipal landfill off Madaket Road ends up getting buried in the landfill."

How Tiny Nantucket Island Disposes Of It's Trash
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According to the Currant, "The vast majority is sorted and transported off-island for final disposal, including recyclables, construction and demolition debris, scrap metal, mattresses, tires, old appliances, and unusable textiles."

Nantucket's landfill, operated by the Rhode Island-based Waste Options, includes three process facilities, the materials recovery facility, the composter, and the transfer station.

Needless to say, island officials strongly encourage recycling and composting to minimize the impact on the refuse situation.

The Martha's Vineyard Commission says, "Nantucket has an integrated solid waste disposal system, encompassing landfill cleanup, recycling, and a centralized composting facility, has reduced waste by 86% and is the top recycling community in the country, with only 8% of waste ending up in a landfill."

The Nantucket Currant says the island is negotiating a new contract with Waste Options Nantucket after the company was the only one to respond to a request for proposals.

Where to Eat When in Nantucket

Exploring the island for the first time? Or just looking for a new spot to grab a bite. Either way there are so many amazing restaurant all over Nantucket. Check out a few with rave Google reviews sure to serve something your taste buds are craving.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall

See Inside Bill Belichick's New Nantucket Home

Former Patriots coach, Bill Belichick can't seem to quit New England. The beloved football legend has just purchased a stunning Nantucket home in the heart of downtown with a backyard perfect for barbecues.

Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall

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