PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • October 16, 2020
Recently, this paper and activist groups have alarmed readers about an alleged loophole in Maine rules that allows what they consider out-of-state waste to be “dumped” in Maine. They claim that simply closing this loophole would improve Maine’s solid waste system. Casella Waste Systems have operated the state-owned landfill in Old Town. It cannot and does not accept out-of-state waste. Some incinerators process out-of-state trash. They generate ash as a “residual” to their process. It is not “dumped” at the landfill. It’s put to use to cover the active surface of the landfill. If these residuals can’t be used, the future financial viability of the facilities would be thrown into disarray, putting hundreds of people out of work and costing Maine millions of dollars. ~ Brian Oliver, Casella Waste Systems, Saco