State Certifies Shaw’s Recycling

The Massachusetts locations of Shaw’s Supermarkets have received Supermarket Recycling Program Certification from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, signifying the grocer’s demonstrated maintenance of its comprehensive recycling and reuse programs for cardboard, organic materials, and shrink and plastic wrap.

“Shaw’s is committed to leading the way on environmental sustainability and we continue to work diligently to expand the comprehensive recycling programs at all of our stores,” said Mike Stigers, Shaw’s president. “While receiving this certification from the MassDEP is a testament to our commitment, it also encourages us to work even harder toward keeping waste out of our landfills. At Shaw’s, we recognize that by helping our environment and the communities we serve, we can improve the overall success of our business.”

The SRPC program was established through a partnership between the MassDEP and the Massachusetts Food Association to encourage supermarkets to recycle and reuse organics and other materials. With the certification, all waste loads from Shaw’s Massachusetts supermarkets are now exempt from routine comprehensive inspections at solid waste disposal and transfer facilities for the presence of recyclables that are banned from disposal at Massachusetts’ disposal facilities.

“Supermarkets generate large volumes of organics and, combined with recycling programs for cardboard and shrink wrap, can recycle more than 70 percent of the waste they generate,” said MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell. “Shaw’s recognizes that not only can they protect the environment through aggressive recycling, they can also save money and be a leader in their community.”

Stigers was presented with a certificate June 2 at the company’s Star Market in Chestnut Hill. The Chestnut Hill Star was the first grocery store in the nation to receive the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s GreenChill Partnership platinum store award. The SPRC is a two-year certification.

Part of the nationwide Supervalu family of grocery stores, Shaw’s operates 169 stores throughout five New England states.