| This thesis investigates if there is an ecologically and economically better way to manage organic waste for environmental sustainability.; The thesis explores the current solid waste conditions in the United States and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; examines the current solid waste management programs and policies pertaining to organics in several dimensions in Massachusetts; briefly reviews other environmental initiatives in Massachusetts such as the: Toxics Use Reduction Act, Product Stewardship Initiative, Bottle Bill, and Pay-As-You-Throw; compares and contrasts organics waste management in several successful locations (San Francisco, California and Nova Scotia, Canada) and a retreat from recycling in New York City; and reviews accomplishments and challenges at university based organics waste management programs at Cornell, UMass Amherst, and especially, in greater detail, at UMass Lowell.; The thesis concludes with arguments for greater attention to be paid to developing a better infrastructure for recycling of valuable resources such as organics. |
