Vermont sees spike in food donations as organics ban takes effect
original article posted here: http://www.wastedive.com/news/vermont-sees-spike-in-food-donations-as-organics-ban-takes-effect/431809/ Dive Brief: Based on a new status report from the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) the state's 2012 Universal Recycling Law has led to notable results on landfill diversion. Between 2014 and 2015 disposal rates were down 5% and diversion rates increased by 2%, as reported by the Burlington Free Press. Food donation increased 40% between 2015 and 2016, with a significant increase in fresher items such as fruits, vegetables and frozen meat. The Fresh Rescue Program now has 40 partner sites throughout the state. The state aims to boost its current diversion rate of 35% to 47% by 2022. DEC estimates that the law will have led to a 37% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by then. Dive Insight: Since this law took effect…