Posted: August 15, 2025

Massachusetts is a nationwide leader in reducing food waste, according to a recent report authored by researchers at the University of Texas and the University of California-San Diego. But what policies brought on such success, and what efforts are forwarding the state’s ambitious food-waste reduction goals?

One of the many noteworthy projects is a statewide investment in anaerobic-digestion facilities, says Bonnie Heiple, commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Anaerobic digestors involve using microorganisms to break down food waste and convert it into an energy source.