New Bedford Creates Programs to Reduce Waste in Businesses

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — The City of New Bedford is taking steps to help reduce the city's waste with new programs.

Two new programs will be offered to help New Bedford businesses reduce their waste and continuously move forward with reduction goals in the city's climate and resilience plan.

According to a release, one program will have businesses recognized for recycling properly. In another program, restaurants can take further steps to reduce waste by moving from disposable food service ware to reusable options.

"It is important for us all to do our part in waste reduction for future generations and this program can help local businesses take this step. Reusables are safe to use as long as restaurants follow standard health and safety guidelines," said Stephanie Sloan, Director of the Health Department.

Clean Water Funds is partnering with New Bedford in their ReThink Disposable program to encourage restaurants to reduce their use of single-use food service ware for onsite dining, such as plates, cups, utensils and sauce cups.

A stipend of $300 and $600 will also be offered to restaurants that implement reusable items and will be visited by the ReThink staff in the coming months.