ZERO WASTE
The NEFM strives to be a Zero Waste market. Zero Waste means all materials are reused, recycled, or composted, resulting in no waste being sent to the landfill/incinerator.
The market requests vendors to do their part to support our zero waste goal. NEFM prohibits the use of styrofoam and encourages everyone to reduce, reuse, recycle, and compost.
Zero Waste Highlights:
In 2019 we composted 3,100 lbs, recycled 590 lbs and threw away 340 lbs.
We partner with a Master Recycler/Composter to provide outreach and education at the market.
All market events are advertised as successfully run zero waste events.
How the Program Works:
Waste stations are provided at the market, each with three bins: Recycling, Compost/Organics and a small bin for trash.
A large banner is displayed at the stations explaining what can be put in the recycling, compost and trash bins.
All on-site staff are educated on what can be recycled and composted. Staff is available throughout the market days to monitor bins, which greatly reduces contamination of bins.
Where does the recycling and compost go?
Recycling is taken to a Materials Recovery Facility where items are sorted, bailed and shipped for reprocessing into new products.
Compost/Organics are taken to an industrial compost site where the materials breakdown into nutrient-rich soil.