News
New & Noteworthy News from ecomaine. Read below to find out what’s been happening at ecomaine.
Keep the Fire in the Sky (How to Dispose Your Fireworks)
It’s that time of the year again! The sun is out, the watermelon is cut, and you’ve just made friends with that person who owns a boat. One thing remains uncertain, where do you put those fireworks you’ve just set off? Should you throw it in the trash? Put in with hazardous waste? Even recycle them? (Spoiler alert: please don’t recycle them). Read below for a step-by-step guide on how to safely and sustainably dispose of fireworks and sparklers, so that the only explosion is the one that’s in the sky.
Celebrating our 2025 eco-Excellence Winners
Each year, ecomaine’s eco-Excellence Awards honor the individuals, businesses, and groups that are making a real impact on Maine’s environment. These awards spotlight creative, hands-on efforts to reduce waste, encourage recycling and composting, and lead sustainability education in our communities.
Simple Ways to Celebrate Earth Day
Every April 22 we celebrate Earth Day, a time to reflect on our impact on the planet and take action to protect it. While big sustainability initiatives are important, small, everyday choices are often more sustainable and can add up to make a huge difference! At ecomaine, we believe that celebrating Earth Day doesn’t have to be once a year and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple ways to honor the day, everyday:
2025 Clothing Swap
Spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to refresh your wardrobe, sustainably! This Earth Day, ecomaine is teaming up with Goodwill Northern New England to host a Clothing Swap at the City of Portland’s Earth Day Celebration in Payson Park on Saturday, April 12, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
Now Accepting Nominations for 2025 eco-Excellence Awards!
ecomaine is now accepting nominations for the 2025 eco-Excellence Awards, an annual program recognizing individuals, multi-family housing leaders, businesses, and organizations from ecomaine communities that demonstrate exceptional commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.
5 Tips for a Sustainable Valentines Day
With millions of greeting cards, plastic-wrapped chocolates, and single-use plastic decorations hitting store shelves (and later, landfills), this holiday can generate a surprising amount of waste. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to celebrate sustainably without sacrificing romance. Here’s your ecomaine-approved guide to an eco-friendly Valentine’s Day!
Appreciating the People Who Make it Happen
At ecomaine, the driving force behind our success has always been our people. As CEO Kevin Roche puts it, “The employees make it happen.” It’s a sentiment that encapsulates what makes the solid waste and recycling industry so dynamic and fulfilling.
What’s the Most Sustainable Way to Dispose of Your Christmas Tree?
The holidays are over, and it’s time to part ways with your Christmas tree. But did you know there’s a sustainable way to dispose of it here in Portland (and most other communities in Maine)? Instead of letting it go to waste, your tree can have a second life—whether it’s turned into mulch or even used to generate electricity!
Introducing Our EPA Grant Team
We’re so excited to introduce ecomaine’s new team members, backed by $2 Million EPA Grant that takes on multi-family recycling challenges across Maine!
EPR for Packaging Rules Approved
Maine’s EPR for Packaging Rules Approved: A Milestone for Sustainable Waste Management